Seed Coating Composition with C4 Dicarboxylic Acids for Nodule Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seed coating compositions for leguminous crops do not effectively enhance nodule formation, which is crucial for nitrogen fixation and plant productivity.
Innovation Solution
A liquid seed coating composition comprising C4 dicarboxylic acids such as succinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, or tartaric acid, along with phosphoric acid and ethanolamine, which are added to the seeds to increase nodule formation by providing a suitable environment for rhizobia bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional seed coating compositions are used, then basic seed protection is provided, but nodule formation enhancement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coating composition by incorporating C4 dicarboxylic acids (succinic, malic, maleic, fumaric, or tartaric acid) at concentrations of 0.1 to 10 weight %. This chemical parameter modification creates a more favorable environment for rhizobia bacteria, directly enhancing nodule formation effectiveness without compromising basic seed protection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite coating composition that combines C4 dicarboxylic acids with traditional seed coating ingredients including phosphoric acid (1 to 45 weight %), ethanolamine (1 to 20 weight %), and optionally rhizobia inoculants, vitamins, and trace elements. This composite formulation synergistically enhances nodule formation while maintaining comprehensive seed protection capabilities.
2Productivity
If C4 dicarboxylic acids are added to enhance nodule formation, then productivity is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The C4 dicarboxylic acid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a carbon source for rhizobia bacteria, buffers the pH to create a neutral environment favorable for bacterial growth, and enhances the overall efficacy of the coating composition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate additives, thereby limiting the increase in formulation complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If acidic phosphoric acid is used for nutrient supply, then phosphorus nutrition is provided, but pH environment becomes unfavorable for rhizobia
Solution Approach 1:
The C4 dicarboxylic acid acts as a intermediary substance that buffers the acidic phosphoric acid, neutralizing excessive acidity while maintaining adequate phosphorus availability. This intermediary action creates a balanced pH environment that is favorable for rhizobia bacteria growth without compromising the phosphorus nutrition function of the coating composition.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to coating compositions, in particular for seeds of leguminous crops. The present disclosure provides a liquid composition for seed coating comprising from 10 to 250 g/l of molybdenum, 0.001 to 1.0 weight % of a vitamin B12, and 0.1 to 10 weight % of a compound selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, any salts thereof, and any mixtures thereof. The present disclosure also provides a method for preparing seeds of leguminous crops, and the use of a liquid composition for the coating of seeds of leguminous crops or for soil application.