CHEMICAL COMPOSITION FOR SEED TREATMENT.

Abstract

A liquid composition for treating legume seeds is disclosed. The liquid composition comprises phosphorus, molybdenum, cobalt, and a solvent, wherein the cobalt is present as vitamin B12 and the composition has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and contains monoethanolamine. A method for preparing legume seeds is also disclosed, comprising the steps of coating the seeds with the liquid composition; coating the seeds with a composition comprising a rhizobium inoculant; and drying the seeds coated with both compositions.

Description

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION FOR SEED TREATMENT W Field of invention The present invention provides a composition comprising phosphorus, molybdenum, vitamin B12, and an amine. It also provides a method for preparing said composition and a method for preparing seeds. It further relates to the use of a composition comprising phosphorus, molybdenum, vitamin B12, and an amine for the treatment of legume crop seeds. Background of the invention Seed coating in agriculture is well known in previous art and is carried out for a variety of reasons. Seed treatment to combat pests and diseases has been practiced for hundreds of years, beginning with the use of simple inorganic substances such as arsenic, copper sulfate, and sulfur to control fungal disease in cereal crops. The first evidence of copper sulfate's activity against wheat blight was reported by Schulthess in 1761. The first broad-spectrum organic fungicide, Thiram (Thisdale and Flenner), was introduced in 1942 and the first organic insecticide treatment of seeds, with γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (Slade), in 1945. Early seed treatment products were powders, but modern formulations tend to be liquids because they are safer to use and have improved application properties. Liquid seed treatments for plant protection are available in many formulation types, such as solutions, emulsions, concentrated suspensions, and capsule suspensions. Liquid formulations can be based on organic solvents or water. Coating seeds with nutrients or fertilizers is also known from earlier times. Phosphorus is an important nutrient to provide to seeds because it promotes root growth, which increases the plant's ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. In the case of legume crops such as soybeans (Glycine 20 max), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), clover (Trifolium), peas (Pisum sativum), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), lentils (Lens culinaris), and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), it is common practice to treat the seed with rhizobium inoculants. Legume plants can form symbiotic relationships with rhizobium bacteria within their root nodules, which can fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into forms that the plant can then use. Applying rhizobium inoculants to legume seeds can improve this process and enhance productivity. Commercially available inoculant compositions are available as dry, peat-based preparations, such as those described in CA512197, or as liquid formulations. The micronutrients molybdenum (Mo) and cobalt (Co) are also known to participate in nitrogen fixation within leguminous plants, and it has become common practice in agriculture to apply seed treatment compositions containing these two micronutrients along with inoculants. Typically, commercially available seed treatments of this type are based on inorganic salts such as sodium or ammonium molybdate as the molybdenum source and inorganic salts such as cobalt(II) sulfate, dinitrate, dichloride, diacetate, carbonate, or hydroxide as the cobalt source. Chelated forms of cobalt, such as cobalt ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), cobalt gluconate, cobalt glucoheptonate, and cobalt citrate, have also been used as the cobalt source in such preparations.Commercially available products of this type are typical aqueous liquid compositions containing between 5% and 15% w / w Mo and between 1% and 2% w / w Co. Examples of commercially available products include: Stoller CoMo (Stoller Enterprises Inc.) containing 6% w / w Mo as sodium molybdate and 1% w / w Co as cobalt sulfate; Wuxal Extra CoMo 15 (Aglukon Spezialdunger GmbH & Co KG) containing 150 g / L Mo (10.3% w / w) and 15 g / L Co (1.03% w / w); and MolyMix (Spray Gro) containing 4.5% w / w Mo and 1.8% w / w Co. However, all these sources of cobalt pose serious risks to human health. For example, cobalt(II) sulfate, dichloride, dinitrate, diacetate, and carbonate are all classified under the Globally Harmonized System as carcinogenic and toxic to reproduction. Furthermore, according to the European Union's Regulation on the Registration of Chemicals and Mixtures (REACH), all these cobalt salts are included in the List of Substances of Very High Concern for authorization by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Current practices present a significant health risk to operators and farmers who handle and apply these products to seeds. In particular, there is a significant risk of exposure to the hazardous dust created when handling treated seeds. Consequently, a safer alternative is needed. US5797976A (Yamashita, 1998) discloses compositions comprising a carbon / energy skeleton component, a macronutrient component containing at least one nitrogen source and one phosphorus source, and a vitamin / CCF factor component. These compositions can be used in agriculture in numerous ways, including as a seed coating. In particular, a composition comprising 21 wt% phosphorus, 0.003 wt% molybdenum, and 0.02 wt% cyanocobalamin is disclosed. US2004 / 063582A1 (Johnson, 2004) discloses compositions comprising at least one macronutrient, at least one micronutrient, a pest inhibitor, at least one growth regulator, a vitamin / cofactor component, an amino acid component, a penetrant, and an energy source, for seed treatment. WO2008 / 090290A2 (INRA, 2008) discloses synthetic cell culture medium compositions comprising minor amounts of phosphorus, molybdenum, ethanolamine and vitamin B12, among others. GB2568945A (Yara UK, 2019) discloses compositions comprising ethanolamine and phosphorus. Summary of the invention According to the first aspect, a liquid composition is provided comprising phosphorus, molybdenum, cobalt, a solvent, and monoethanolamine. Cobalt is present as vitamin B12, and the composition has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. According to another aspect, a method is provided for preparing a liquid composition comprising phosphorus, molybdenum, cobalt, and monoethanolamine. The method comprises the steps of providing a source of phosphorus, a source of molybdenum, a source of vitamin B12, and monoethanolamine; mixing the phosphorus source, the molybdenum source, and the vitamin B12 source with a solvent; and adding an amount of monoethanolamine such that the pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. According to another aspect, a method for preparing seeds of legume crops is provided. The method comprises the steps of coating the seeds with the liquid composition described herein, coating the seeds with a composition comprising a rhizobium inoculant, and drying the seeds coated with both compositions. According to another aspect, the use of a liquid composition as defined herein is provided for the treatment of seeds of legume crops, in particular, to improve germination. Detailed description of the invention Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the disclosure of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the definitions commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. For further guidance, the definitions of the terms are included to enhance an understanding of the teachings of the present invention. All references cited in this description are hereby considered to be incorporated in their entirety by reference. As used herein, the following terms have the following definitions: Un, una, el, and la, as used herein, refer to the singular and plural forms of nouns, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, un apartado refers to one or more compartments. It is understood that "approximately," as used herein with reference to a measurable value such as a parameter, quantity, duration, and the like, comprises variants of + / -20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, still more preferably + / -1% or less, and still more preferably + / -0.1% or less from and away from the specified value, provided that it is appropriate to realize such variants in the disclosed invention. However, it is understood that the value to which the modifier "approximately" refers is also specifically disclosed. The terms "comprender," "que compren," "comprende," and "comprender de," as used herein, are synonyms of "incluir," "que Incluye," "comprender," "contenedor," and "contiene." They are inclusive or open terms that specify the presence of that which follows, e.g., the component, and do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, elements, members, or steps not mentioned, known in the art, or disclosed herein. The mention of numerical ranges by extreme values ​​includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the extreme values ​​mentioned. The expression percent by weight % by weight % by weight, in this and throughout the description, unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the total weight of the formulation. As used herein, a phosphorus source refers to a molecule, salt, or complex containing phosphorus atoms that is available to plants; that is, plants absorb the molecule, salt, or complex and can use the phosphorus contained within it for growth and development. It is noted that vitamin B12 vitamers contain at least one phosphorus atom; however, this phosphorus atom is embedded within the vitamin B12 molecule, and the plant does not use it as a phosphorus source. Suitable phosphorus sources are known in agriculture and include orthophosphoric acid and all its salts, such as monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, potassium phosphate, and urea phosphate. According to a first aspect, a liquid composition comprising phosphorus, molybdenum, cobalt, a solvent, and monoethanolamine is provided. Cobalt is present as vitamin B12 and the composition has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. In agriculture, it is known to coat seeds with a mixture containing phosphorus, molybdenum, and cobalt. Phosphorus (P) contributes to root growth, among other things. Coating a seed with a readily available source of phosphorus ensures that the seed has sufficient phosphorus for the initial growth stage and allows for the development of strong, long roots that can absorb necessary nutrients from the soil once the nutrients coating the seeds are consumed. Molybdenum (Mo) is a micronutrient that plants require and is known to participate in a range of biological processes. For example, it is necessary for the synthesis and activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase, which reduces nitrate nitrogen in the plant.Molybdenum (Mo) is also essential for the symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium bacteria in the root nodules of legumes, which relies on the activity of the bacterial Mo-dependent nitrogenase enzyme. Cobalt (Co) also plays a role in symbiotic nitrogen fixation and is complementary to Mo. Cobalt is an essential component of vitamin B12, which participates in several biochemical processes and is vital for the growth and development of Rhizobium bacteria. Seed treatment compositions typically include a cobalt salt or chelate as the cobalt source. However, it is known that at least some cobalt is converted into vitamin B12. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that directly supplying vitamin B12 to the seed would increase the efficiency of cobalt nutrition.An important criterion for seed coatings, especially for legume seeds, is their pH. In fact, legume seeds are often sprayed with a rhizobium inoculant. Rhizobium bacteria can fix atmospheric nitrogen gas into a form available to plants, such as ammonium ions, which are then converted into nitrates, even more readily available to plants than ammonium. Rhizobium prefer a neutral pH environment. A pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is considered ideal for rhizobium growth. Rhizobium requires a host to grow and fix nitrogen gas, and it has been observed that they thrive in the root nodules of legume crops. Therefore, inoculating seeds of these crops with these bacteria has become common practice.This reduces the amount of nitrogen-containing fertilizer that needs to be supplied to the crops and improves soil quality. However, liquid compositions containing phosphorus can be quite acidic, especially if the phosphorus source is a phosphoric acid, such as orthophosphoric acid or polyphosphoric acids. Seed treatment compositions containing an ammonium, nitrate, and / or urea source have been observed to retard or inhibit nodule formation; therefore, it is advisable to avoid compounds containing these nitrogen sources in seed treatment compositions. Consequently, common phosphorus sources for fertilizers, such as ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, urea phosphate, and ammonium polyphosphate, are not recommended, even though they have a much higher pKa than phosphoric acid. Furthermore, it was observed that solutions containing phosphate salts and molybdate salts, particularly sodium molybdate, were not very stable: precipitation and crystallization were observed. It was found that the pH of the composition could be raised to the desired level by adding monoethanolamine. 2C monoethanolamine is a small bidentate molecule with a basic site, the primary amine. Its addition to the composition increases the pH and also stabilizes phosphate anions. Monoethanolamine does not contain any nitrogen in a form available to the plant; therefore, no detrimental effects on nodule growth were observed. The solvent for the liquid composition may be essentially water, but it may also be a mixture of solvents comprising water and other solvents suitable for agricultural use, such as alcohols, glycols, and their derivatives, such as ethers. The solvent or solvent mixture must be able to solubilize different components of the liquid composition at room temperature. Furthermore, it must pose a limited health risk to facilitate its use by farmers or operators. In one embodiment, the solvent is essentially water. The liquid composition as disclosed herein was used to coat seeds of legume crops, and the seeds were then dried and sown in the soil. The germination rate, as well as the number of nodules, root mass, and dry matter content of the shoots, were increased. In one embodiment, the composition comprises between 10 and 250 g / L, particularly between 50 and 200 g / L of phosphorus, expressed as P-Cg. It is advantageous for the liquid composition to have a high phosphorus concentration. This allows the seed to be supplied with a high amount of phosphorus without using a large quantity of the composition. However, using a composition with a higher concentration is neither desirable nor possible, as this leads to stability problems and could also damage the seeds. In one embodiment, the composition comprises between 10 and 250 g / L, particularly between 50 and 200 g / L of molybdenum. It is advantageous that the liquid composition has a high concentration of molybdenum. This allows the seed to be supplied with a high amount of molybdenum without using a large quantity of the composition. In one embodiment, vitamin B12 is present as one or more of cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin. Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin and is a metal complex with a cobalt atom at its center surrounded by a corrin ring. A corrin ring is a 15-membered macrocycle comprising pyrrolidine and three dihydroprole rings. The metal complex consisting of the metal and the corrin ring is not stable and requires an additional ligand, which can be a cyanide group, a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, or a 5'-deoxyadenosyl group. In one embodiment, the composition comprises orthophosphoric acid. Orthophosphoric acid is a well-known and suitable source of phosphorus for agricultural uses. It is widely available and readily absorbed by plants. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a potassium salt of phosphoric acid. The acid may be orthophosphoric acid or a polyphosphoric acid. Potassium is a plant nutrient, so supplying it to seeds can be advantageous to contribute to the early growth stage. It is compatible with the other components of the liquid composition and does not affect rhizobium development. In one embodiment, the composition comprises between 1 and 45% by weight, in particular between 5 and 45%, more particularly between 10 and 40%, still more particularly between 15 and 40% by weight, of orthophosphoric acid. In one embodiment, the composition comprises between 1 and 20% by weight of monoethanolamine. In one embodiment, the composition comprises between 2 and 20% by weight, particularly between 5 and 20%, more particularly between 5 and 15%, and still more particularly between 10 and 15% by weight, of monoethanolamine. In one embodiment, the weight ratio of monoethanolamine to orthophosphoric acid is in the range of 1:5 to 1:1, specifically between 1:3 and 1:1. Adjusting this weight ratio is necessary to optimize the composition's characteristics. If too little monoethanolamine is added, the solution may not be sufficiently stable, the pH may not be high enough, and the rhizobium may not be in optimal condition. If too much monoethanolamine is used, the cost of the composition increases unnecessarily, the pH may rise excessively, and the nutrient content is reduced, as monoethanolamine does not provide any nutrients available to the plants. In one embodiment, the composition comprises ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or any of its salts, in particular, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate. A risk when preparing an aqueous solution containing phosphate ions is the risk of forming calcium phosphate, which is highly insoluble in water and precipitates. It is preferable to use a water source with a low calcium content to prepare the aqueous composition described herein; however, it may not always be possible to rely on water sources available to farmers. To prevent phosphate precipitation, a chelating agent with a strong affinity for calcium can be added. The agent sequesters the calcium present in the water and prevents any formation of calcium phosphate. EDTA is a widely available chelating agent known for its strong affinity for calcium.It is also non-toxic to humans and plants, so no additional precautions are necessary for the use of this aqueous composition. Another name for EDTA is 2,2',2',2'-(ethane-1,2-diyldinitrilo)tetraacetic acid. In one embodiment, the composition comprises between 0.1 and 1.0% by weight, in particular between 0.1 and 0.7% by weight of EDTA. In one embodiment, the vitamin B12 concentration ranges from 125 mg / L to 500 mg / L. A low amount of vitamin B12 was found to be sufficient to obtain significant results in agronomic trials. This was surprising, since typical seed treatment compositions contain a much higher concentration of cobalt (between 1 and 2% by weight), especially considering the high molecular weight of vitamin B12 compared to the weight of a cobalt atom. Cobalt accounts for between 3.7 and 4.4% by weight of vitamin B12. In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises an antifreeze agent, in particular selected from the group of glycerin, monopropylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, sugar alcohols, or mixtures thereof. For reasons of storage stability under varying climatic conditions, it is advantageous to incorporate an antifreeze agent into the seed treatment composition. The antifreeze component must be agriculturally acceptable and have no detrimental effects on rhizobium bacteria. Suitable antifreeze additives include glycerin, monopropylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, sugars, and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a biostatic agent, in particular selected from the group of sodium propionate, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the composition comprises sodium propionate and lactic acid. The liquid compositions described above have been found to be prone to biological deterioration, for example, by mold growth. Consequently, it is advantageous to incorporate a preservative into the composition. However, the use of common broad-spectrum biocides such as 2-methyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT) or 1,2-benzisothiazol-(2H)-one (BIT) is undesirable, as these could have a detrimental effect on rhizobium bacteria if the composition is applied in conjunction with a seed inoculant.Consequently, it has been found that the use of biostatic agents, such as sodium propionate or lactic acid, is more suitable, as these protect the composition against deterioration but do not destroy rhizobium bacteria when mixed together in a seed treatment. In one embodiment, the composition comprises orthophosphoric acid, monoethanolamine, tetrasodium EDTA, sodium molybdate, cyanocobalamin, glycerin, sodium propionate, lactic acid, and water. In one embodiment, the composition comprises orthophosphoric acid, monoethanolamine, tetrasodium EDTA, sodium molybdate, cyanocobalamin, monopropylene glycol, sodium propionate, lactic acid, and water. In one embodiment, the composition comprises orthophosphoric acid, monoethanolamine, tetrasodium EDTA, sodium molybdate, cyanocobalamin, monoethylene glycol, sodium propionate, lactic acid, and water. In one embodiment, the composition comprises between 1 and 451 wt% orthophosphoric acid, between 1 and 20 wt% monoethanolamine, between 0.1 and 1.0 wt% tetrasodium EDTA, between 1 and 25 wt% sodium molybdate, between 0.001 and 1.0 wt% cyanocobalamin, in particular between 0.001 and 1.0 wt% cyanocobalamin, between 1 and 15 wt% glycerin, between 0.01 and 1.01 wt% sodium propionate, between 0.01 and 1.0 wt% lactic acid, and between 40 and 80 wt% water. According to another aspect, a method is provided for preparing a liquid composition comprising phosphorus, molybdenum, cobalt, and monoethanolamine. The method comprises the steps of providing a source of phosphorus, a source of molybdenum, a source of vitamin B12, and monoethanolamine; mixing the phosphorus source, the molybdenum source, and the vitamin B12 source with a solvent; and adding an amount of monoethanolamine such that the pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. The solvent for preparing the liquid composition may include water, but also other solvents suitable for agricultural use such as alcohols, glycols, and their derivatives, such as ethers. The solvent or solvent mixture must be able to solubilize the different components of the liquid composition at room temperature. Furthermore, it must pose a limited health risk to facilitate its use by farmers or operators. In one embodiment, the solvent is essentially water. In one embodiment, the liquid composition prepared according to the preceding method comprises between 10 and 250 g / 1, in particular between 50 and 200 g / 1 of phosphorus, expressed as P30ri. In one embodiment, the liquid composition prepared according to the preceding method comprises between 10 and 250 g / 1, in particular between 50 and 200 g / 1 of molybdenum. In one embodiment, the molybdenum source is essentially sodium molybdate. In one embodiment, the source of vitamin B12 is selected from the group of cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the phosphorus source is selected from the group of orthophosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, or any salt thereof. In one embodiment, the phosphorus source is essentially orthophosphoric acid. In one embodiment, the amount of monoethanolamine is selected such that the weight ratio of monoethanolamine to orthophosphoric acid in the final composition is in the range of 1:5 to 1:1, particularly between 1:3 and 1:1. In one embodiment, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or any one of its salts, in particular tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, is provided and mixed into the solution in step b) described above. In one embodiment, an antifreeze agent is provided and mixed into the solution in step b) described above. In one embodiment, the antifreeze agent is selected from the group of glycerin, monopropylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, sugars, sugar alcohols, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, a biostatic agent is provided and mixed into the solution in step b) described above. In one embodiment, the biostatic agent is selected from the group of sodium propionate, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof. According to another aspect, a method for preparing seeds of legume crops is provided. The method comprises the steps of coating the seeds with the liquid composition described herein, coating the seeds with a composition comprising a rhizobium inoculant, and drying the seeds coated with both compositions. Methods for coating seeds with a liquid solution are well-known in agriculture. Any known coating method is suitable for the present method, for example, a rotary seed coating apparatus, a drum seed coating apparatus, a fluidized bed seed treatment apparatus, or a standard mixing drum. The order of application of the coating is not crucial for achieving the desired technical effect. The seeds can be coated first with the composition comprising phosphorus, molybdenum, and vitamin B12, followed by the rhizobium inoculant; or they can be coated after the inoculant; or both solutions can be added to the seeds simultaneously. The seeds are dried at room temperature, but they can also be exposed to a slightly preheated stream of air to accelerate drying. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is applied to the seeds at a rate of between 0.5 L per tonne and 5 L per tonne. The application rate must be high enough to supply a sufficient quantity of the nutrients to the seeds, but an excessive amount could reduce or slow germination. Furthermore, a high application rate could make the seeds sticky and difficult to handle and spread. In one embodiment, the composition comprising a rhizobium inoculant is applied to the seeds at a rate of between 1 and 10 parts per tonne. Commercial solutions come with a suggested application rate. Minor deviations from the recommended rate are acceptable to account for the application of the other liquid composition. In one embodiment, the liquid composition described herein is applied directly to the soil before or after sowing the seeds. According to another aspect, the use of a liquid composition defined herein is provided for the treatment of seeds of legume crops, in particular to improve germination. Example 1 The following example shows the formulation required to prepare 1 liter of a liquid seed treatment containing 125 mg / L of cyanocobalamin. The materials used were as follows: orthophosphoric acid: high purity (food grade); 90% monoethanolamine: prepared by diluting 99% high-purity monoethanolamine; tetrasodium EDTA: technical grade, 86% assay; sodium molybdate: high-purity disodium molybdate dihydrate, minimum 39.5% w / w Mo; cyanocobalamin: pure crystalline grade, minimum 96% assay; glycerin: technical grade, minimum 99.5% purity; sodium propionate: food grade; lactic acid: 80% food grade. Water: 659,945 g Orthophosphoric acid 75%: 231.25g Monoethanolamine 90%: 120.45g Tetrasodium EDTA: 2.60g Sodium molybdate: 163.50g Cyanocobalamin: 0.125 g Glycerin: 80.00g Sodium propionate: 1.00g Lactic acid 80%: 1.00g The method used to prepare the composition was as follows: Water (600 ml) was placed in a glass container equipped with a stirring rod. While stirring, the components were added in the following order, ensuring complete dissolution of each before proceeding to the next: tetrasodium EDTA, 90% monoethanolamine, 75% orthophosphoric acid, lactic acid, glycerin, sodium molybdate, cyanocobalamin (previously dissolved in 50 ml of water), and sodium propionate. Finally, the remaining water was added to bring the volume to 1 liter. The resulting product was a clear red solution with the following physicochemical characteristics: Density: 1.26 kg / 1 pH: 6.0-7.0 Contents of P2O5: 12.5% ​​w / v (125 g / 1) Mo Content: 6.5% w / v (65 g / 1) Cyanocobalamin: 125 mg / 1 The product remained stable for at least 8 weeks when stored at room temperature, 0°C and 45°C. Example 2 The following example shows the formulation needed to make 1 liter of a liquid composition for seed treatment containing 250 mg / 1 of cyanocobalamin. Water: 659.82g Orthophosphoric acid 75%: 231.25g Monoethanolamine 90%: 120.45g Tetrasodium EDTA: 2.60 g Sodium molybdate: 163.50 g Cyanocobalamin: 0.25 g Glycerin: 80.00 g Sodium propionate: 1.00 g Lactic acid 80%: 1.00 g The production method was as described above and the resulting product was a transparent red solution with the following physicochemical characteristics: Density: 1.26 kg / 1 pH: 6.0-7.0 P2O5 content: 12.5% ​​w / v (125 g / 1) Mo content: 6.5% w / v (65 g / 1) Cyanocobalamin: 250 mg / 1 The product remained stable for at least 8 weeks when stored at room temperature, 0°C and 45°C. Example 3 The following example shows the formulation needed to make 1 liter of the liquid composition for seed treatment containing 500 mg / 1 of cyanocobalamin. Water: 659.57 g Orthophosphoric acid 75%: 231.25 g Monoethanolamine 90%: 120.45 g Tetrasodium EDTA: 2.60 g Sodium molybdate: 163.50 g Cyanocobalamin: 0.125 g Glycerin: 80.00 g Sodium propionate: 1.00 g Lactic acid 80%: 1.00 g The production method was as described above and the resulting product was a transparent red solution with the following physicochemical characteristics: Density: 1.26 kg / 1 pH: 6.0-7.0 P2O5 content: 12.5% ​​w / v (125 g / 1) Mo content: 6.5% w / v (65 g / 1) Cyanocobalamin: 500 mg / 1 The product remained stable for at least 8 weeks when stored at room temperature, 0°C and 45°C. Example 4 The efficacy of the seed treatment compositions according to Examples 1, 2, and 3 above was tested against a seed treatment containing Co / Mo with 62.5 g / L of Mo and 12.5 g / L of Co (derived from sodium molybdate and cobalt(II) sulfate). The trial was conducted on soybean (Glycine max), variety Elena, and was arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replicates. Each seed treatment composition was applied to the soybean seed in conjunction with the liquid rhizobium inoculant (Liquifix Legume Technology Ltd.). An untreated control and a control treated only with the inoculant were included in the trial. The treatments used in the trial are summarized in the following table: Treatment No. Inoculant Rate Seed Fertilizer Treatment Rate 1 Control 1 - no treatment - - 2 Control 2 - inoculant only 4 1 / MT — 3 Commercial product containing 4 1 / MT 2 1 / MT Co / Mo with 62.5 g / 1 of Mo and 12.5 g / 1 of Co 4 Example composition 1 - 125 mg / 1 of B12 4 1 / MT 2 1 / MT 5 Example composition 2 - 250 mg / 1 of B12 4 1 / MT 2 1 / MT 6 Example composition 3 - 500 mg / 1 of B12 4 1 / MT 2 1 / MT The treated seed was left to air dry overnight before sowing in 5 cm pots filled with a growing medium consisting of a 1:1 mixture of vermiculite and perlite (one seed per pot). The pots were watered with deionized water and placed in a growth chamber. Watering with deionized water continued throughout the germination period. After the plants emerged, they were watered with a medium-strength, nitrogen-free nutrient solution (pH 6.0). The germination rate was assessed 7 days after sowing, and the plants were harvested 21 days after sowing to record the number of nodules formed. The results are shown in the following table. No. Treatment Rate Germination (7 days after sowing) 1 Control 1 - no treatment 8 3.3% 2 Control 2 - inoculant only 72.2% 3 Commercial product containing Co / Mo 83.3% 4 Example 1 100.0% 5 Example 2 100.0% 6 Example 3 8 8.9% Example 5 The agronomic efficacy of the seed treatment compositions according to Examples 1 and 3 above was also tested in comparison with a commercial seed treatment containing Co / Mo with 62.5 g / L of Mo and 12.5 g / L of Co (derived from sodium molybdate and cobalt(II) sulfate). The trial was conducted on soybean (Glycine max), variety Silverka, and was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Each seed treatment composition was applied to the soybean seed in conjunction with a liquid rhizobium inoculant (Liquifix, Legume Technology Ltd.). An untreated control and a control treated only with inoculant were included in this trial. The treatments used in this trial are summarized in the following table: No. Treatment Inoculant Rate Seed Fertilizer Treatment Rate 1 Control 1 - no treatment 2 Control 2 - inoculant only 4 1 / MT 3 Commercial product containing Co / Mo with 62.5 g / 1 of Mo and 12.5 g / 1 of Co 4 1 / MT 2 1 / MT 4 Example composition 1 - 125 mg / 1 of cyanocobalamin 4 1 / MT 2 1 / MT 5 Example of composition 3 - 500 mg / 1 of cyanocobalamin 4 1 / MT 2 1 / MT The treated seeds were left to air dry overnight before being sown in 20 cm pots filled with washed sand (5 seeds per pot). The pots were placed in a climate-controlled greenhouse and watered with deionized water for 7 days during the germination period. After the plants sprouted, they were watered with a medium-strength, nitrogen-free nutrient solution (pH 6.0, containing optimal medium concentrations of P, K, Mg, Ca, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn). The plants were visually assessed and harvested 6 weeks after sowing. The root systems were rinsed with water to remove adhering sand, and the following parameters were recorded: number of nodules, root dry weight, and shoot dry weight. Nodules were examined for activity by cutting them (pink tissue coloration was considered an indication of activity). The results are shown in the following table: Treatment No. Quantity of nodules Dry matter of the Dry matter of the (per pot) root (per pot) (g) shoots (per pot) (g) 1 Control 1 - no treatment 0.00 2.78 3.11 2 Control 2 - inoculant only 88.25 1.92 4.55 3 Commercial product containing Co / Mo 96.25 2.94 4.88 4 Example 1 101.25 4.26 5.43 5 Example 3 118.00 3.72 4.61 Visual observation of the plants at harvest showed that those without any treatment were very small and stunted, with yellow leaves; plants treated only with inoculant showed better growth and development than the untreated control plants, but were smaller and less developed than those in treatments 3, 4, and 5, which were larger and greener. The nodules of the plants in treatments 3, 4, and 5 were observed to be pink when cut, indicating high activity. The nodules of the plants in treatments 4 and 5 were generally larger than those in treatment 5. 3, which suggests earlier establishment of nodules with treatments 4 and 5.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A liquid composition comprising a molybdenum source, cobalt, monoethanolamine and a solvent, wherein the composition has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5, CHARACTERIZED in that the composition comprises a phosphorus source selected from the group of orthophosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids and in that the cobalt is present as vitamin B12.

2. The liquid composition according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the solvent is essentially water.

3. The liquid composition according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the composition comprises between 10 and 250 g / 1, in particular between 50 and 200 g / 1 of phosphorus, expressed as P2OS.

4. The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the composition comprises between 10 and 250 g / 1, in particular between 50 and 200 g / 1, of molybdenum.

5. The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the composition comprises sodium molybdate as the source of molybdenum.

6. The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that vitamin B12 is present as one or more cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.

7. The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the composition comprises orthophosphoric acid and in that the weight ratio of monoethanolamine to orthophosphoric acid is in the range of between 1:5 and 1:1, in particular between 1:3 and 1:

1.

8. The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the liquid composition comprises ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or any one of its salts, in particular tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate.

9. The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the concentration of vitamin B12 is in the range of between 125 mg / 1 and 500 mg / 1.

10. The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the composition comprises an antifreeze agent, in particular selected from the group of glycerin, monopropylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, sugars, sugar alcohols or mixtures thereof.

11. The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the composition comprises a biostatic agent, in particular selected from the group of sodium propionate and lactic acid.

12. A method for preparing the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing a phosphorus source selected from the group of orthophosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids, a molybdenum source, a vitamin B12 source, and monoethanolamine; b) mixing the phosphorus source, the molybdenum source, and the vitamin B12 source with a solvent; and c) adding an amount of monoethanolamine, such that the pH is between 6.0 and 7.

5.

13. A method for preparing seeds of legume crops, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises the steps of: a) coating the seeds with the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11; b) coating the seeds with a composition comprising a rhizobium inoculant; c) drying the seeds coated with both compositions.

14. The method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that, in step a), the liquid composition is applied to the seeds at a rate of between 0.5 L per tonne and 5 L per tonne.

15. The use of a liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it is for the treatment of seeds of legume crops, in particular to improve germination.