Seed Coating Composition

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Disclosed herein are one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprising (i) a binder comprising a modified starch and (ii) an active ingredient, which perform at least as well as or better than aqueous seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers, and surprisingly, perform better than aqueous seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch. The binder comprising modified starch is water-soluble, compatible with the active ingredient, and more cost-effective than using primarily synthetic polymers as binders in aqueous seed coating compositions. Additionally, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein provide superior seed coating characteristics, including demonstrating good flowability, reduced dust-off, and uniform coating application. [Background technology]

[0002] Crop farmers are constantly seeking to improve crop yields to meet the increasing demand for food. One approach used by the agricultural industry is seed treatment (seed coating), in which seeds are treated / coated with one or more active ingredients, including, for example, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, nutrients, plant growth hormones, and beneficial microorganisms, to protect the seeds from disease, fungi, and / or insects when planted. During the seed coating process, a seed coating binder is used to apply an active ingredient slurry to the seed's surface. These seed coatings deliver one or more active ingredients to the seed or seedling during germination, allowing it to provide healthy root mass for superior emergence and strength, thereby resulting in higher crop yields. A key advantage of delivering one or more active ingredients through seed coating is that seed coatings allow for precise and controlled release of one or more active ingredients to each individual seedling.

[0003] Seed coatings also protect seeds from damage during handling, thereby improving seed handling characteristics. For example, coated seeds typically come into contact with other objects and surfaces, as well as each other. This can result in the seed coating's rub-off (dust-off). Rub-off refers to the transfer of portions of the coating from the coated seed to surfaces of objects other than the seed, such as seed bags, seed containers, and seed handling equipment. Rub-off can result in the loss of active ingredients in the form of dust (dust-off). For coated seeds planted or sown by workers, rub-off in the form of dust-off can raise health and safety concerns. Furthermore, seed coatings that exhibit rub-off tend to be sticky, increasing the risk of inaccurate planting and blocking of seed planter equipment. Additionally, by minimizing rub-off (dust-off), the coated seed product has an improved visual appearance.

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

[0005] Disclosed herein are one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprising (i) a binder comprising a modified starch and (ii) an active ingredient. Surprisingly, the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein perform better than aqueous seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch versus modified starch as a seed coating binder. Moreover, the modified starch performs at least as well as conventional synthetic polymers and may be used in combination with or in place of synthetic polymers to provide aqueous seed coating compositions. Also disclosed herein is the use of the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein for coating seeds. Further disclosed herein are coated seeds comprising one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein. Also disclosed herein is a method for coating one or more seeds, comprising (i) mixing a binder comprising a modified starch with an active ingredient to form an aqueous seed coating composition, and (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds.

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

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

[0008] The aqueous seed coating compositions described herein can be prepared by blending the various ingredients together or can be added separately during the seed coating process.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein further comprise one or more active ingredients. In a further embodiment, the one or more active ingredients are selected from the group consisting of insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, nematicides, insect repellents, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracil, urea, acetanilides, organophosphonates, nitrilooxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfur enamides, In yet another embodiment, the one or more active ingredients are biopesticides of plant or microbial origin, or biologically living beneficial microorganisms from the genus Bacteria or Fungi.

[0010] Yet another embodiment described herein is directed to one or more methods for preparing coated seeds, comprising providing one or more seeds; providing one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprising a binder comprising one or more modified starches; and contacting the aqueous coating compositions with the seeds to coat all or a portion of the seeds.

[0011] Further disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to seedling establishment to improve crop yield, as well as agricultural and horticultural plants, shrubs, trees, grasses, etc. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods described herein relate to the prevention of agricultural compounds, such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, etc., that are lost through water runoff or drainage (wherein, when lost through runoff or drainage, such agricultural compounds are unavailable to grasses, plants, etc.). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[0013] [Figure 2]FIG. 1 displays a schematic diagram of the flow funnel used in the testing in Example 2.

[0014] [Figure 3] 1 displays a graph showing the flowability test results of corn seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing a synthetic polymer (Sample 8) or modified starch such as Sample 9 (cationically modified starch), Sample 10 (OSA-modified starch), and Sample 11 (PO-modified starch). The flowability data for seeds coated with coatings containing modified starch showed significantly better seed flowability than seeds coated with an aqueous seed coating composition containing unmodified corn starch (Sample 12). The seed coating compositions also contained a blend of active ingredients.

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

[0016] [Figure 5] 1 displays a graph showing the results of a test to measure dust-off levels for soybean seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer (Sample 13) compared to soybean seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing modified starches, such as Sample 14 (OSA-modified starch), Sample 15 (PO-modified starch), and Sample 16 (a blend of OSA and PO-modified starches), and a seed coating composition containing a blend of OSA and PO-modified starches and a plasticizer (Sample 17). The seed coating compositions also contained a blend of active ingredients. The figure shows that the modified starch provided a seed coating with dust-off levels at least equivalent to or comparable to those provided by the synthetic polymer.

[0017] [Figure 6]

[0023] Figure 1 displays a graph showing the plantability of soybean seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing a synthetic polymer (Sample 13), an OSA-modified starch (Sample 14), a PO-modified starch (Sample 15), a blend of OSA and PO-modified starches (Sample 16), and a blend of OSA and PO-modified starches with a plasticizer (Sample 17). The seed coating compositions also contained a blend of active ingredients. This figure shows that the modified starches provided seed coating compositions with plantability (% singulation) comparable to that provided by the synthetic polymers.

[0018] [Figure 7] 1 displays a graph showing the results of testing dust-off levels for corn seeds coated with aqueous seed compositions containing modified starch and plasticizer (Samples 18-22) versus synthetic polymer (Sample 23). The seed coating compositions also contained a blend of active ingredients.

[0019] [Figure 8] 1 displays a graph showing the plantability of corn seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing modified starch and a plasticizer (Samples 18-22) or a synthetic polymer (Sample 23) versus uncoated corn seeds (Sample 24). The seed coating compositions also contained a blend of active ingredients. The figure shows that certain combinations of modified starch and plasticizer provided seed coating compositions that offered superior plantability (% singulation) to that provided by synthetic polymers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Numerous specific details are described herein to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention. However, unless otherwise indicated or implicit from context, these details are intended to be exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. Additionally, features described in connection with various or specific embodiments should not be construed as not being suitable for use in connection with other embodiments disclosed herein, unless such exclusivity is expressly stated or implicit from context.

[0021] All terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" can include plurals unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, all units, prefixes, and symbols can be written in their SI-approved form. Numerical ranges cited herein include numbers within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects are presented in range format. Descriptions in range format should be understood merely for convenience and simplicity and should not be construed as inflexible limitations on the scope of the invention. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to include all possible subranges specifically disclosed and individual numerical values within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0022] In order to make the present invention more readily understandable, certain terms are first defined. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present invention pertain. Many methods and materials similar to, modified from, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practicing the embodiments without undue experimentation. In describing and claiming the embodiments, the following terms can be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

[0023] The term "seed" as used in this application is meant to refer, inter alia, to the mature ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which contains an embryo surrounded by a protective covering. The protective covering can include a seed coat (testa). Some seeds include a pericarp or fruit coat around the seed coat. Especially when this layer is tightly adhered to the seed, like a cereal kernel, it is sometimes called a caryopsis or achene.

[0024] In practical terms, the term "seed" includes, but is not limited to, pelleted seeds, applied seeds, plant seedlings, rootstocks, regenerable and plant-forming tissues, and anything that can be planted in agriculture to produce a plant, including a tuber or bulb.

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

[0026] As used in this application, the term "seed coating composition" is meant to refer to an aqueous composition used to coat seeds.

[0027] As used herein, the term "preblend" is meant to refer to an aqueous composition that is formed (i.e., in the form of a stable emulsion and / or dispersion) prior to the addition of the other components of the aqueous seed coating composition. The preblend is preferably formed in a different location than the aqueous seed coating composition.

[0028] The term "active" as used in this application is meant to refer to any component that is directly or indirectly beneficial to a plant or plant seed, for example, through a biological effect on the plant, seed, or against organisms harmful to the plant, such as fungi, pests, and insects. Plant enhancers include plant protection products, safeners, growth promoters, growth regulators, and the like.

[0029] As used herein, the term "hydrophobic and / or water-insoluble" is meant to describe materials that are primarily non-polar and exhibit limited solubility or insolubility in water, however, such materials can be suspended in water as molecules or particles.

[0030] The term "alkoxy" refers to the -OR radical or group, where R is alkyl as defined above, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, or 2-propoxy, n-, iso-, or tert-butoxy. In certain embodiments, preferred alkoxy groups of the invention have 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In other embodiments, preferred alkoxy groups of the invention have 3 or more carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 6 carbon atoms. Alkoxy groups can be optionally substituted where permitted by available valences. Examples of substituted alkoxy groups include trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, and alkoxyalkyl groups (such as methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, polyoxoethylene, polyoxopropylene, and similar groups). Unless specifically described as "unsubstituted," reference to a chemical moiety herein is understood to include substituted variants.

[0031] The term "alkyl" refers to a saturated straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having, for example, 1 to 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, alkyl groups include "C1-C6 alkyl" groups, including methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, n-pentyl, tert-pentyl, neo-pentyl, iso-pentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, hexyl, n-hexyl, tert-hexyl, neo-hexyl, isohexyl, and sec-hexyl. In certain embodiments, preferred alkyl groups of the invention have 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, preferred alkyl groups of the invention have 3 or more carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 6 carbon atoms. Alkyl groups can be optionally substituted where allowed by available valences. Unless specifically described as "unsubstituted," reference to a chemical moiety herein is understood to include substituted variants.

[0032] The terms "combination" or "combinations" refer to a mixture of two or more compounds (or other referenced components), including, but not limited to, one or more compounds of formula (I), or a combination of biologically acceptable salts, derivatives, diastereomers, or enantiomers thereof, or one or more additional sweeteners.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "free," "absent," "substantially free," or "substantially free" refer to a composition, mixture, or ingredient that does not contain a particular compound, or to which a particular compound or a compound containing a particular compound has not been added. If a particular compound is present through contamination and / or use in a minimal amount in a composition, mixture, or ingredient, the amount of the compound is less than about 3% by weight. More preferably, the amount of the compound is less than 2% by weight, less than 1% by weight, and most preferably, the amount of the compound is less than 0.5% by weight or 0.0% by weight.

[0034] As used herein, the term "substituted" means that a group can be substituted by one or more independent substituents, examples of which include alkyl, alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy, alkoxy, cycloalkyoxy, heterosiloxy, oxo, alkanoyl, alkylcarbonyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, alkanoyloxy, cyano, azido, amino, alkylamino-S(0)H, arylamino, aralkylamino, cycloalkylamino, heterocycloamino, mono- and di-substituted amino (wherein two substituents on the amino group are selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkanoylamino, aroylamino, alkanoylamino), substituted alkanoylamino, substituted ari Examples of heterocyclothio include, but are not limited to, arylamino, substituted alkanoylamino, thiol, alkylthio, arylthio, heterocyclothio, aralkylthio, cycloalkylthio, alkylthiono, arylthiono, aralkylthiono, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, aralkylsulfonyl, oxygen, sulfonamido (e.g., -SO2NH2), substituted sulfonamido, nitro, carboxy, carbamyl (e.g., -CONH2), substituted carbamyl (e.g., -CONHalkyl, -CONHaryl, -CONHaralkyl, or cases where there are two substituents on the nitrogen selected from alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl), alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, substituted aryl, guanidino, and heterocyclo (e.g., indolyl, imidazolyl, furyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolidyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, etc.).

[0035] As used herein, the terms "weight percent," "wt. %, "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. As used herein, it is understood that "percent," "%," and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "wt. %," and the like.

[0036] The methods and compositions can include, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients described herein, in addition to other ingredients. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that the methods and compositions can include additional steps, components, or ingredients so long as the additional steps, components, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions. Modified starch

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

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

[0039] All starches and flours (hereinafter "starch") may be suitable for use as base starches herein and may be derived from any natural source. As used herein, a natural starch is one found in nature. Also suitable are starches derived from plants obtained by standard breeding techniques, including cross-breeding, translocation, inversion, transformation, or any other method of gene or chromosome manipulation, including modifications thereof. Furthermore, starches derived from plants grown from artificial mutations, and variations of the above general composition that can be produced by known standard methods of mutation breeding, are also suitable for use as base starches herein.

[0040] Typical sources of base starch are cereals, tubers, roots, legumes, and fruits. Natural sources include corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, or sorghum, and their derivatives. Waxy or high amylose varieties. Waxy The term "high amylose" is intended to include starches or flours containing at least about 95% by weight amylopectin, and the term "high amylose" is intended to include starches or flours containing at least about 30% by weight amylose.

[0041] Modified starch is defined as a native starch containing amylose, amylopectin, or a combination of both (dent starch) that has been modified using chemical, enzymatic, or physical modification. Examples of modified starches using either chemical, enzymatic, or physical modification are from, but are not limited to, the following categories: oxidation (using any oxidizing agent to add carbonyl or carboxyl groups to the starch), phosphate (monophosphate anionic or diphosphate crosslinks), other crosslinks (adipate, epichlorohydrin), esterification (succination, such as OSA octenyl succinate, with or without aluminum salts), etherification (ethylation, propylation, carboxymethyl, or cationic), and combinations of cationic and anionic (amphoteric) or propylated crosslinks. Starch can also be hydrolyzed by acids, enzymes, or oxidizing agents to reduce the molecular weight, and the starch can be modified by the addition of a phosphate group to the starch. Waxy Starches can also have different base chemistry or structure from starch (e.g., 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphates, etc.). Starches can also be dextrinized (dry roasted under acidic conditions) or pregelatinized (hot or cold water dispersible).

[0042] Some examples of modified starches are acid hydrolyzate-2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrin hydrogen octenyl butanedioate, acetic acid hexadioate, 2-hydroxyl-3-(trimethylamino)propyl ether chloride. In some embodiments, the modified starch is not a cationic modified starch.

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

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

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

[0046] Some embodiments are directed to aqueous seed coating compositions comprising a binder comprising a modified starch and an active ingredient. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise a binder comprising a modified starch, an active ingredient, and one or more additional components selected from a second binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or pigment dispersant, a solvent, a plasticizer, an emulsifier, a thickener, a colorant or pigment, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof. Binder

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

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

[0049] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 1% to about 99% by weight of one or more modified starches as binders, based on the weight of the seed coating composition, or from about 1% to about 90%, 1% to about 80%, 1% to about 70%, 1% to about 60%, 1% to about 50%, 1% to about 40%, 1% to about 30%, 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 10% by weight of one or more modified starches as binders, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In preferred embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 1% to up to about 40% by weight of one or more modified starches as binders, or from about 1% to about 30% by weight, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 3% to up to about 15% by weight of one or more modified starches as binders, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In still other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 4% to up to about 10% by weight of one or more modified starches as binders, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In even other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 6% to up to about 8% by weight of one or more modified starches as binders, based on the weight of the seed coating composition.

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

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

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

[0053] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein provides a coating weight of about 294.0-887.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 443.7 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 473.3 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 502.8 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 532.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 562.0 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 591.6 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, or about 621.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds. g of seeds, about 650.8 / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 680.3 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 708.0 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 739.5 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 769.1 g / 46.36 kg of seeds, about 798.7 g / 46.36 kg of seeds, about 828.0 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 857.8 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, and about 887.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds.In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein is applied to a seed coating of about 2.84-284 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 5.68 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 14.2-284 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 28.4-99.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 42.6-95.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 56.8-85.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 56.8-71 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, or about 5 0.68g / 45.36kg seeds, approx. 14.2g / 45.36kg seeds, approx. 21.3g / 45.36kg seeds, approx. 28.4g / 45.36kg seeds, approx. 42.6g / 45.36kg seeds, approx. 56.8g / 46.36kg seeds, approx. 71g / 46.36kg seeds, approx. 85.2g / 45.36kg seeds, approx. 99.4g / 45.36kg seeds, approx. 113g / 45.36kg seeds, approx. 127.8g / 45.36kg seeds , about 142g / 45.36kg seeds, about 170.4g / 45.36kg seeds, about 198.8g / 45.36kg seeds, about 227.2g / 45.36kg seeds, about 255.6 / 46.36kg seeds or about 284g / 45.36kg seeds or about 5.68g / 45.36kg seeds or more, about 14.2g / 45.36kg seeds or more, about 21.3g / 45.36kg seeds or more, about 28.4g / 45.36kg seeds or more, Applied to seeds at a rate of about 42.6g / 45.36kg seeds or more, about 56.8g / 46.36kg seeds or more, about 71g / 46.36kg seeds or more, about 85.2g / 45.36kg seeds or more, about 99.4g / 45.36kg seeds or more, about 113g / 45.36kg seeds or more, about 127.8g / 45.36kg seeds or more, or about 142g / 45.36kg seeds or more, or about 284g / 45.36kg seeds or more.

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

[0055] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein do not include a polymeric binder, such as, for example, a synthetic polymeric binder.

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

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

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

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

[0060] In another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises from about 1% to about 5% by weight of a solvent, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, alcohol, butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, Texanol ((3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-pentyl) 2-methylpropanoate), and combinations thereof. thickener

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0069] In one embodiment, the one or more active ingredients contained in the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are selected from the group consisting of insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, nematicides, insect repellents, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracil, urea, acetanilide, organophosphonates, nitrilooxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, The active ingredient(s) may be selected from triazole fungicides, sulfur enamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides, chlorinated aromatics, dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organic thiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propynyl sulfite, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, tetradiphanes, dinitrophenol acaricides, vinapacrylics, adjuvants, surfactants, and fertilizers. Additionally, the one or more active ingredients may be any biopesticides of plant or microbial origin, and / or any biologically living beneficial microorganisms from the bacterial or fungal genus, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the one or more active ingredients contained in the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are selected from an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a crop desiccant, a fungicide, a biopesticide, a biological containing a bacterial or fungal genera, a bactericide, a bacteriostat, an insecticide, a nematicide, an insect repellent, or any combination thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, the one or more active ingredients can further comprise an adjuvant, a surfactant, a fertilizer, or any combination thereof. coated seeds

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

[0072] In a further embodiment, the plant seed is an agricultural seed.The seed can be a monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plant.Suitable seeds include, but are not limited to, soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oat, triticale, mustard, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, hemp, hemp, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpea, bean, pea, vetch, rice, sugarcane, linseed, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable vegetable seeds include, but are not limited to, asparagus, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beets, curly kale, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, gherkin, marrow, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, corn, carrot, onion, tomato, pepper, lettuce, cucurbits, scallions, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and combinations thereof.

[0073] Preferably, the plant seeds are capable of germination. Optionally, the seeds can have their shells removed (so-called shelled or peeled seeds). The seeds can be primed or unprimed (treated to improve germination rate, for example, osmopriming, hydropriming, matrix priming). Coating Method

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

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

[0076] Seeds can be coated with one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein by directly applying the composition to the seeds. In some embodiments, seeds can be over-treated with one or more active ingredients. In other embodiments, seeds can be indirectly treated, for example, by treating the environment or habitat to which the seeds are exposed. Conventional treatment methods can be used to treat the environment or habitat, including immersion, spraying, fumigation, chemical drench, misting, dusting, brushing, shanking, or injection.

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

[0078] The subject matter contemplated by this disclosure is described in the following numbered embodiments. 1. An aqueous seed coating composition comprising a binder comprising a modified starch and an active ingredient; Optionally, the aqueous seed coating composition, wherein the modified starch comprises amylose, amylopectin, or any combination thereof. 2. The modified starch is selected from cereals, tubers, roots, legumes, fruits, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the modified starch is selected from the group consisting of corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, or sorghum, Waxy or a high amylose variant, or any combination thereof. 3. The modified starch is etherified, oxidized, methylated, ethylated, propylated, alkoxylated, carboxymethylated, cationic, esterified, acylated, succinated, propylated and phosphate crosslinked, dextrinized, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the modified starch has been hydrolyzed with acids, enzymes, oxidizing agents, and / or physically to reduce molecular weight; Optionally, the modified starch is acid hydrolysate-2-hydroxypropyl ether dextrin hydrogen octenyl butanedioate, acetate hexadioate, 2-hydroxyl; Optionally, the modified starch is Waxy 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, which is 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized, or any combination thereof. 4. The active ingredient is (i) Pesticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, biopesticides, biological preparations containing bacteria or fungi, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, nematicides, insect repellents, or any combination thereof; or (ii) Insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, insect repellents, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracil, urea, and organic phosphonates, nitrilooxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfur enamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides, chlorinated aromatics, di 4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a chloroaniline fungicide, a carbamate insecticide, an organic thiophosphate insecticide, a perchlorinated organic insecticide, a miticide, propynyl sulfite, a triazapentadiene miticide, a chlorinated aromatic miticide, a tetradiphane, a dinitrophenol miticide, a vinapcryl, an adjuvant, a surfactant, a fertilizer, a biopesticide of plant or microbial origin, or a biologically living beneficial microorganism from the genus bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof. 5. Further comprising a second binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or pigment dispersant, a solvent, a plasticizer, an emulsifier, a thickener, a colorant or pigment, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof; 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the binder optionally further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof. 6. The binder comprises up to 95% by weight of a synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder; Optionally, the composition comprises up to 99% by weight of enzyme-converted starch, based on the weight of the binder; 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is optionally free of unmodified starch. 7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the binder further comprises up to 40% by weight of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder. 8. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for coating seeds. 9. A coated seed comprising the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The seed is an agricultural seed, a vegetable seed, an herb seed, a wild flower seed, an ornamental seed, a grass seed, a tree seed, a shrub seed, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the seeds are selected from soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oat, triticale, mustard, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpea, bean, pea, vetch, rice, sugarcane, linseed, and any combination thereof; 10. The coated seed of any one of claims 1 to 9, optionally wherein the vegetable seed is selected from asparagus, chive, celery, leek, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beet, curly kale, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, marrow, parsley, fennel, pea, bean, radish, black salsify, eggplant, corn, carrot, onion, tomato, pepper, lettuce, cucurbit, scallion, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and any combination thereof. 11. A method for coating one or more seeds, comprising: (i) mixing a binder comprising a modified starch with an active ingredient to form an aqueous seed coating composition; (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds; Optionally, the method, wherein the modified starch comprises amylose, amylopectin, or any combination thereof. 12. The modified starch is derived from a cereal, tuber, root, legume, fruit, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the modified starch is selected from the group consisting of corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, sorghum, and the like. Waxy or a high amylose variant, or any combination thereof. 13. The modified starch is modified through one or more of oxidation, phosphate addition, cross-linking, esterification, etherification, dextrinization, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the modified starch has been hydrolyzed with an acid, an enzyme, and / or an oxidizing agent to reduce the molecular weight; Optionally, the modified starch is Waxy , 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized (hot or cold water dispersible), or any combination thereof; 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, optionally wherein the modified starch is acid hydrolyzate-2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrin hydrogen octenyl butanedioate, acetate hexadioate, 2-hydroxyl-3-(trimethylamino)propyl ether chloride, canary dextrin, or any combination thereof. 14. The seed coating composition further comprises one or more active ingredients, wherein the active ingredients are: (i) Pesticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, biopesticides, biological preparations containing bacteria or fungi, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, nematicides, insect repellents, or any combination thereof; or (ii) Insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, insect repellents, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracil, urea, and organic phosphonates, nitrilooxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfur enamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides acaricides, chlorinated aromatics, dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organic thiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propynyl sulfite, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, tetradiphanes, dinitrophenol acaricides, vinapacryl, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, biopesticides of plant or microbial origin, or biologically live beneficial microorganisms from the genus bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the seed coating composition further comprises a binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or pigment dispersant, a solvent, a thickener, a colorant or pigment, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof; 12. The method of claim 11, wherein optionally, the binder further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof. 15. The binder comprises up to 95% by weight of a synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder; and optionally, the composition comprises up to 99% by weight of an enzyme-converted starch, based on the weight of the binder; Optionally, the composition does not comprise unmodified starch; 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein optionally the binder further comprises up to 40% by weight of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder. Example

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

[0080] For the flowability test, a metal galvanized funnel was used. For the dust-off test, a Heubach Dustmeter (Heubach, Salzburg, Germany) was used for plantability and a John Deere vacuum planter was used.

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

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

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

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

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

[0086] Coating materials: Commercially available Precise 1006 synthetic polymer binder (saxaglistin hydrochloride / dapagliflozin propanediol polymer) (Bayer Crop Science, Research Triangle Park, NC). Commercially available starch: liquid cationic starch, amylopectin, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride. ;Liquid modified starch, dextrin hydrogen octenylbutanediote (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch) ; Liquid modified starch, amylopectin, acid hydrolyzed, 2-hydroxypropyl ether (hydroxypropyl (PO) modified starch) ; and Waxy Amylopectin (unmodified starch) ; Corn starch (unmodified starch) (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL). The above starches and modified starches were present in the seed coating compositions in the range of 1 to 50 weight percent of the coating material, or in the range of 30 to 40 weight percent of the coating material.

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

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

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

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

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

[0092] With respect to the recovery of individual active ingredient components of Active Ingredient Blend I, seed coatings containing either modified or unmodified starch (Samples 9-12) yielded amounts of individual active ingredients equal to or greater than those of the seed coating containing a commercially available synthetic polymer binder (Sample 8). Surprisingly, most of the modified starches provided significant amounts of at least one active ingredient (e.g., clothianidin).

[0093] While unmodified starch provided excellent coverage and recovery of total active ingredients, the data generated indicate that seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch provided poor dust-off and flow characteristics. Dust-off Analysis. Dust-off measurements were performed to determine the amount of dust shed by the coated seeds when subjected to handling. A Heubach Dustmeter was used to analyze the dust-off of the seed coating for each batch of coated seeds prepared in Example 1. For each batch of seeds, 100 g of coated seed sample was added to the drum of a Heubach Dustmeter. 20 liters / minute of dry air was passed through the drum while rotating at 30 RPM for 2 minutes. Dust was collected on filter paper and weighed. Dust-off measurements were quantified by weight difference. Seed counts were performed to determine the average grams of dust per 100,000 seeds. Two replicates were performed for each sample, and the results were averaged for the plot. The results are shown in Figures 1A-1B. It is desirable to have the coated seed pool produce the lowest amount of dust possible.

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

[0095] Corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing modified starch (Samples 3, 4, and 9-11) produced lower amounts of dust-off compared to corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch (Samples 5-6 and 12). Corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing modified starch (OSA-modified starch (Samples 3 and 10), PO-modified starch (Samples 4 and 11), and cationic starch (Sample 9) surprisingly produced amounts of dust equal to or less than corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing synthetic polymers (Samples 2 and 8).

[0096] Plantability Testing. The plantability device simulates a planter device to determine the number of times a single seed is successfully picked up and delivered to the seed tube, delivering multiple seeds, or no seeds to the seed tube. The plantability device measures singulation percentage, skips, and misses. Seeds were preconditioned at 25±0.6°C and 74-75% relative humidity, and the same temperature and humidity were used for the planting meter test. A Precision Planting Meter eSet with a John Deere vacuum planting head was used. The planting meter was set to a 35,000 seed / acre count, a speed of 4.1 mph, and a vacuum speed of 18.1 psi. The vacuum planting unit simulates planting in a field and uses air pressure to attach the seeds to a disk. The machine records information such as skips, multiple seed deposits, and losses / acre. Approximately 1,000 grams of seed was used for each test (hopper filling amount). Plantability results for the coated corn seeds are shown in Figures 4A-4B. It is desirable to have the highest singulation percentage, or delivery of single seeds, possible. Seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing a starch binder exhibited comparable or slightly better singulation percentages compared to seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing a synthetic polymer binder.

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

[0098] Figure 3 shows a plot of the resulting average flow time for the flowability data. As shown in Table 5 and Figure 3, the results indicate that the seeds coated with the modified starch-containing composition (i.e., Samples 9, 10, and 11) had average flowability times comparable to those of the seeds coated with the synthetic polymer-containing composition (Sample 8). The results also indicate that the modified starch-containing composition (i.e., Samples 9, 10, and 11) had significantly better flowability (e.g., provided a lower average flowability time) than the seeds coated with the unmodified starch-containing composition (Sample 12). Example 2: Soybean Seed Coating

[0099] A commercially available active ingredient blend commonly used in seed coating compositions is set forth in Table 6 (hereinafter "Active Ingredient Blend II"). Active ingredient Blend II set forth in Table 6 is used in the soybean seed coating composition described in this example. [Table 6]

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

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

[0102] Coating materials: Commercially available Precise 1006 synthetic polymer binder (saxagliflozin hydrochloride / dapagliflozin propanediol polymer) (Bayer Crop Science, Research Triangle Park, NC). Commercially available starches: liquid cationic starch, amylopectin, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride, liquid modified starch, dextrinized hydrogen octenyl butane diotenate (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), hydrogen octenyl butane diotenate (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), liquid modified starch, amylopectin, and acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether (hydroxypropyl (PO) modified starch), low DE corn syrup (Ingredion, Westchester, IL).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0109] Plasticizers: glycerol (Rita, Crystal Lake, IL), titanium oxide (Brenntag, Plainfield, IL), low DE corn syrup (Ingredion, Westchester, IL), and sorbitol (Ingredion, Westchester, IL).

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

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

[0112] Method for Preparing the Coated Seeds of Table 9: Active Ingredient Blend III as shown in Table 8 was prepared by thoroughly weighing and mixing the components to form a high active ingredient corn seed coating slurry. Each seed coating composition was then prepared by combining 353.4 g / 45.36 kg seed of Active Ingredient Blend III with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg seed of Chromatint® Red 40, 68 g / 45.36 kg seed of water, and 148 g / 45.36 kg seed of each of the above coating materials.

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

[0114] Dust-off and Plantability of Corn Seed with Plasticizer: Analysis evaluating the dust-off and plantability characteristics of coated corn seeds was performed as described in Example 1, except that a temperature of 30±0.6°C and a relative humidity of 78-79% were used. These parameters were selected to simulate worst-case conditions for plantability in the field. Note that a talc / graphite lubricant, while typically used by farmers, was not used in this example. The results of the dust-off analysis are presented in Figure 7, and the results of the plantability test are presented in Figure 8.

[0115] As shown in Figure 7, Sample 18 (OSA modified starch) and Sample 23 (synthetic polymer) provided comparable results. All other samples (Samples 19-22) provided relatively high levels of dust-off relative to all other samples. % singulation (below 99%) than uncoated seeds. The reason for the low singulation in these samples was that they were tested without the use of a talc / graphite lubricant, in a worst-case scenario that approximated extreme environmental conditions at high temperature (30±0.6°C) and high humidity (78-79%). Surprisingly, Sample 23 (with a seed coating containing a synthetic polymer) provided the lowest singulation (93.5%) compared to all other coated samples in FIG. 8.

[0116] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting, of the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. The features expressed in the foregoing specification, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, either in a specific form or in terms of means for conveniently performing a disclosed function or a method or process for obtaining a disclosed result, can be used to realize the invention in various forms, either individually or in any combination of such features.

Claims

1. 1. A method for coating one or more seeds, comprising: (i) mixing a binder comprising a modified starch with an active ingredient to form an aqueous seed coating composition; (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds; the modified starch is acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrin hydrogen octenyl butanedioate, 2-hydroxyl-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride, or any combination thereof; The method, wherein the modified starch is waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized (hot or cold water dispersible), or any combination thereof.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the modified starch is derived from a cereal, a tuber, a root, a legume, a fruit, or any combination thereof.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the modified starch is corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, sorghum, waxy or high amylose varieties thereof, or any combination thereof.

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

5. 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the seed coating composition further comprises binders, fillers, nutrients, wetting and dispersing additives or pigment dispersants, solvents, plasticizers, thickeners, colorants or pigments, defoamers, biocides, surfactants, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the binder further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the seeds are agricultural seeds, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, wildflower seeds, ornamental seeds, grass seeds, tree seeds, shrub seeds, or any combination thereof.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the seeds are selected from soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oat, triticale, mustard, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpea, bean, pea, vetch, rice, sugarcane, linseed, and any combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the vegetable seeds are selected from asparagus, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beet, curly kale, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, mallow, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, corn, carrot, onion, tomato, pepper, lettuce, cucurbits, scallions, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and any combination thereof.

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