DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a composition for seed coating, particularly the present invention relates to a multienzyme based composition for seed coatings and a method for preparing the same.
BACKGROUND
The role of fertilizers in replenishing soil with important nutrients has played an important part for centuries. Fertilizers help in preserving soil quality that is better equipped to fight pests, and diseases and yield advantageously. Improving soil quality is a continuing process and many chemical fertilizers have been in use to boost crop yields and improve soil fertility. However, they have several limitations affecting the ecosystem and the economy.
Chemical fertilizers are prone to being easily washed away by water, consequently leading to pollution. They have detrimental effects on the microbes that inhabit the soil, ultimately diminishing soil fertility. Moreover, their costly nature is a significant drawback. Furthermore, these fertilizers offer transient advantages. Lastly, they have the capacity to alter the soil composition, resulting in an undesirable shift towards either excessive acidity or alkalinity.
Over the recent past, biofertilizers have emerged as a substitute to activate the soil biologically, and naturally restore soil fertility among many other such benefits compared to the existing chemical fertilizers. Many methods are followed in biofertilizer applications such as soil application, improvement of seeds and seedlings drenching, and foliar spray.
‘Seed coating Biofertilizer Technology’ and other advanced technologies for biostimulants have been identified as a tool to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. Plant seed is often coated before sowing, for example to protect seeds from damage during handling and to improve handling properties. Seed coatings can also improve visual recognition of various batches of seed and allow for better tracking of seed batches, especially during the sowing method in the field. Seeds are often coated to provide useful substances (active ingredients) to the seed and to the seedlings upon germination, for example plant nutrients, growth stimulating agents, and plant protection products. Seed coating methods include film coating, pelleting, and encrusting of seed. The use of biofertilizers and biostimulants in seed coating is a technique in which an active ingredient such as microbial inoculants, pest control agents, micronutrients, etc. are applied to the surface of the seed with the help of a binder and in some cases a filler that can act as a carrier.
However, the known biofertilizers often comprise microbes and their metabolites that directly influence soil growth. Every so often, these microbes fail to work due to unfavorable conditions such as variations in temperature and transportation. Further, the above mentioned requires a specific mechanical machinery which is difficult to store and may have a much shorter shelf-life. One of the limitations of microbes’ application in seed coatings is inconsistent results in terms of cell viability. Also, the efficacy of microbes-based products varies under different environmental factors and other conditions like temperature, soil pH, water logging, soil moisture content, application of chemical fertilizers, etc. Microbes-based biofertilizers take a longer duration of time to revive and multiply in desirable numbers to exert a suitable effect.
Thus, there is a need for alternatives such as compositions to existing fertilizers, biostimulants and biofertilizers that can promote plant growth, improve crop yields, and also can overcome the said problems of available biofertilizers, fertilizers or biostimulants.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a seed coating composition comprising 5% to 35% w/w of an enzyme mix comprising comprises amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase, phytase; 15% to 35% w/w of soya flour, 30% to 65% w/w of diatomaceous earth powder, 0.45% w/w of gum acacia powder, and agriculturally accepted excipients.
According to one aspect of present disclosure, the enzyme mix comprises amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase, and phytase.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, 1:5:2:5:2.25 parts of amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase & phytase respectively.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, agriculturally accepted excipients, are selected from a group comprising one or more of, a carrier, binder, thickener, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, and the like.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the seed coating composition is in the form of an emulsion, oil-in-water emulsion, water-in-oil emulsion, emulsifiable concentrate, nano emulsions, microemulsion, emulsifiable granule, granules, water dispersible granules, powder, suspension, suspension concentrate, capsule suspensions, capsule, liquid, spray, driftless formulation, oil dispersion or wettable powder, or an encapsulated granule and the like.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the seed coating composition that is stable and has a shelf life of 2 - 3 years.
According to another aspect, the seed coating composition provides nutrient rich environment for the seed growth, protection from agricultural pests, and stress related environmental conditions.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the seed coating composition is suitable for cereal, pulses, fruits and vegetables and the like, with thin, soft, thick, or hard seed coats.
According to another aspect, a method of preparing seed coating composition comprising enzyme mix, soya flour, diatomaceous earth powder, gum acacia powder, and agriculturally accepted excipients comprising steps: (a) preparing enzyme mixture in 5% to 35% w/w from a group comprising amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase and phytase; (b) mixing binding agents comprising 15 - 35% w/w of soya flour, 30 - 65% w/w of diatomaceous earth powder, 0.2 - 5% w/w of gum acacia powder; (c) adding mixture of step (b) to step (a), while maintaining a pH of 4.5 to 8; (d) preparing the mixture to the suitability of seed coats; and (e) applying the prepared mixture to the seeds.
These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates comparison on delayed leaf senescence in F1 treated corn crop (60DAS) and market sample (MS 60DAS).
Figure 2 illustrates comparison on delayed leaf senescence in untreated (UT) seeds to F1 treated corn for (95DAS).
Further to facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various aspect of the present disclosure provides a composition for improving soil and crop health. The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various aspects including the example aspects relate to a composition for improving soil fertility.
As mentioned, there is a need for improved compositions that is alternative to the microbes that promotes plant growth and improve crop yield. The present disclosure, therefore, provides a seed coat composition to promote plant health and improve crop yield, and its method of preparation. The present seed coat composition improves germinates phases, advances phenological events, enhances physio-morphological attributes, yield and most importantly the restoration efficacy of seed.
All the enzymes used in the present seed coat compositions were commercially procured from Ultreze Enzymes Private Ltd, India & Advanced Enzymes Pvt Limited, India.
As used in here, the term “seed germination” refers to, but not limited to, the method of development of a new plant from a dormant embryo within the seed under the availability of suitable conditions like temperature, water, air, and light, resulting in the rupture of the seed coat.
As used in here, the term “crop vigour” refers to, but not limited to, the combined factors of the seed that influence its potential level of activity and performance during germination and seedling emergence.
As used in here, the term “Plant height” refers to, but not limited to, the distance from the upper boundary of the main photosynthetic tissues (excluding inflorescences) on a plant to the ground level.
As used in here, the term “Root weight and shoot weight” refers to, but not limited to, the proportion of a plant's biomass that is allocated to its root and shoot system respectively.
As used in here, the term “Tillers count” refers to, but not limited to, the total tiller number per metre row of crop. Further, average tillers per plant with sample size range of 5-15 hills/plot, and suitably 10 hills/plot.
As used in here, the term “panicle length” refers to, but not limited to, the length from the panicle neck to the panicle tip of the main panicle.
As used in here, the term “panicle weight” refers to, but not limited to, the weight of panicle from each plant.
As used in here, the term “Stem girth” refers to, but not limited to, the thickness or width of the stem.
In an embodiment, a seed coating composition comprises 5% to 35% w/w of an enzyme mix comprising amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase and phytase; 15% to 35% w/w of soya flour, 30% to 65% w/w of diatomaceous earth powder, 0.2-5% w/w of gum acacia powder, and agriculturally accepted excipients.
In one embodiment, the seed coating composition comprises an enzyme mix comprising amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase, and phytase.
In another embodiment, the enzyme mix comprises: 1:5:2:5:2.25 parts of amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase & phytase respectively.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is in form of an emulsion, oil-in-water emulsion, water-in-oil emulsion, emulsifiable concentrate, nano emulsions, microemulsion, emulsifiable granule, granules, water dispersible granules, powder, suspension, suspension concentrate, capsule suspensions, capsule, liquid, spray, driftless formulation, oil dispersion or wettable powder, or an encapsulated granule and the like.
In an embodiment, the seed coating composition is stable at a range pf pH 4.5 to 8.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is applied to the seed coatings before sowing.
In an embodiment, the enzyme lipases used in the composition are responsible for breaking down stored fats in seeds and of surrounding environment during germination. This process converts fats into sugars, which provide energy for the embryo's growth.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is suitable for cereal, pulses, fruits, and vegetables and the like, with thin, soft, thick, or hard seed coats.
In an embodiment, the enzyme amylase in the composition fulfills a crucial function by catalyzing the breakdown of endosperm starch in seeds into sugars that can be metabolized, thereby supplying the necessary energy for the development of roots and shoots.
In another embodiment, the enzyme cellulase used in the composition primarily helps in the repair and organization of cellulose microfibrils during the production of cellulose in plants life and also in hydrolyzing carbohydrates to provide energy for germination and establishment. Enzyme cellulase in the composition expedites the breakdown of plant residues within the soil, leading to enhanced soil fertility. The application of cellulase enhances various aspects of plant growth performance, such as increased seed germination rates and the provision of protective effects.
In an embodiment, the cellulases and endo glucanases may promote availability of nutrients to the soil. Adding organic matter to the soil in the form of plant residues and litter may give high amounts of cellulose, groups of enzymes involved in the decomposition of cellulose such as cellulases, and glucose polymers. Cellulases and ß glucanases are significant soil enzymes that can decompose the cellulose and glucans present in seed and in the soil and make it available to soil microbial community in the form of nutrients.
In another embodiment, the proteases may increase the concentration of nitrogen in the soil and may further enhance the plant growth. Protease is a soil enzyme important in the mineralization of organic nitrogen content in the soil. They hydrolyze proteins to amino acids, that can act as nitrogen sources for the soil microbes or mineralize to release ammonia. The metabolism of seed protein is a crucial stage in the process of seed germination, consisting of multiple steps facilitated by Proteolytic enzymes. The breakdown or activation of the protein reserves in the seed results in the liberation of amino acids. These amino acids play a vital role in the synthesis of proteins in the endosperm and embryo, essential for the initiation of the germination process. In an embodiment, the enzyme proteases used in the composition help in programmed cell death, senescence, abscission, fruit ripening, plant growth, and plant homeostasis.
In an embodiment, the lipase may convert lipids into soil organic matter, allowing release of bio-available nutrients for the plant, and stimulating natural microbial soil activity. The primary hydrolytic enzymes involved in lipid breakdown during seed germination are lipases, responsible for catalyzing the cleavage of ester carboxylate bonds and releasing organic alcohols and fatty acids. As germination progresses, triacylglycerols are broken down or hydrolyzed to provide the necessary energy for the synthesis of sugars and amino acids.
In another embodiment, the enzyme phytase/phosphatase used in the composition plays a crucial role for breaking down the non-digestible compound called phytate into inorganic phosphate and reducing myo-inositol levels. It is crucial to highlight that an elevated level of phytate concentration is not a prerequisite for the viability and growth of seeds or juvenile plants. Throughout the germination phase, the phytin present in seeds undergoes degradation facilitated by an enzyme known as phytase, thereby liberating crucial nutrients for the plant organisms. This particular mechanism plays a pivotal role in supplying indispensable cations, phosphate, and inositol to the maturing seedlings.
In an embodiment, the seed coating composition is stable for a shelf life of 2 - 3 years.
In an embodiment, the seed coating composition provides for the seed growth, protection from agricultural pests, and stress related environmental conditions.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is suitable for cereal, pulses, fruits and vegetables and the like, with thin, soft, thick, or hard seed coats.
In another embodiment, the source of enzymes is selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, animal, plants, insects, or biological extracts. All the enzymes and agriculturally accepted excipients used for the seed coating composition are commercially available.
In an embodiment, the binder used in the composition may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, a soy flour, gum acacia, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl alcohols, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polysaccharides, proteins, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, styrene acrylic polymer and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of binder, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In another embodiment, the emulsifier used in the composition may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, an ethoxylated alcohols, polyalkoxylated butyl ethers, calcium alkyl benzene stilphonates, polyalkylene glycol, polyoxyethylenesorbitan esters, polyoxyethylenesorbitanmonolaurate and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of emulsifier, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent used in the composition may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, a polyalkyne oxide modified heptamethyltrisiloxane, 4-(5-dodecyl) benzenesulfonate, docusate (dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate), benzalkaonium chloride, perfluorooctanesulfonate, naphthalene sulfonic acid, formaldehyde condensate, sodium, polypropylene polyoxyethylene and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of anti-foaming agent, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In another embodiment, the suspension agent used in the composition may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, a sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polysaccharides, clays, and a mixture thereof. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of suspension agent, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In an embodiment, the wetting agent used in the composition may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, a sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, alkyl phenol ethoxylates and aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates and a mixture thereof. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of wetting agent, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In another embodiment, the dispersing agent used in the composition may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, a sodium lignosulfonate, sodium naphthalenesulfonate, formaldehyde, Tristyrylphenolethoxylate phosphate esters, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, alkylethoxylates, EO-PO block copolymers and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of dispersing agent, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In an embodiment, the surfactants used in the composition may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, an alkyl ethoxylates, linear aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, aliphatic amine ethoxylates, sorbitan monooleates, sorbitan monooleate ethoxylates, methyl oleate esters and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of surfactants, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition further includes a preservative selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, a propionic acid and its sodium salt, sorbic acid and its sodium or potassium salts, benzoic acid, and its sodium salt, p-hydroxybenzoic acid sodium salt, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, 1,2 -benzisothiazalin-3-one (BIT) and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of preservative, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In an embodiment, the seed coating composition may further include a plant growth hormone selected from a group, but not limited to, an auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, abscisic acid or ethylene. In some aspects, the auxin may be selected from a group, but not limited to, a naphthalene acetic acid, 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Indole butyric acid (IBA) and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of hormone, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is quick in action, they are very specific in their targets. The present disclosure emphasizes enzyme-based formulations, which initiate their activity upon contact with moisture on seeds. This results in an immediate response upon encountering moisture. Enzymes exhibit high specificity towards their targets; for example, phytase targets phytates found in seeds and their surroundings, while lipase acts solely on fat stores in seeds and surrounding organic matter.
In an embodiment, the seed coating composition is functional in wide temperature and pH ranges of 10°C to 55°C and range of 4.5 to 8 respectively.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is consistent and is stable at room temperature with long shelf life of 2 - 3 years.
In an embodiment, the seed coating composition helps in generating a protective and nutrient rich microenvironment, helping the seeds to germinate in a healthy environment.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is effective at low concentrations, such as 1 to 3 Gm per Kg of Seeds. and can be packed into in small pack sizes that are easy to transport and store.
In an embodiment, the seed coating composition is used for increasing crop yield.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition may be used on the agriculture pests that may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, a nematode, mites, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of the agriculture pest, including known, related, and later developed technologies.
In an embodiment, the unique combination of enzymes with soya flour and diatomaceous earth powder has enhanced the effect of active ingredients.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is provided for promoting seed germination.
In another embodiment, the seed coating composition may improve the soil texture, solubilization of various soil organic/ inorganic components releasing phosphorus, nitrogen, sugars, macro and micronutrients, trace elements in soil, may balance absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, enhance crop stress resistance, cumulatively result in enhanced yield and quality of crops.
In an embodiment, a method of preparing seed coating composition comprising enzyme mix, soya flour, diatomaceous earth powder, gum acacia powder, and agriculturally accepted excipients comprising steps: (a) preparing enzyme mixture in 5% to 35% w/w from a group comprising amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase and phytase; (b) mixing binding agents comprising 15 - 35% w/w of soya flour, 30 - 65% w/w of diatomaceous earth powder, 0.2 - 5% w/w of gum acacia powder; (c) adding mixture of step (b) to step (a), while maintaining a pH of 4.5 to 8; (d) preparing the mixture to the suitability of seed coats; and (e) applying the prepared mixture to the seeds.
In another embodiment, average tillers per plant with sample size range of 5-15 hills/plot, and suitably 10 hills/plot.
Examples:
The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which are intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices, and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may vary.
1. Preparation of enzyme composition for seed coating
The compositions were prepared for the evaluation of different parameters. The test formulation of the seed coating compositions is described in Table 1. The working example of composition F1 and the evaluation of different parameters is described accordingly.
Table 1: Working Formulation 1 (F1)
Ingredients Percentage ratio by weight Working % ranges
Enzyme mix 30.5 % (1:5:2:5:2.25) parts of amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase & phytase) 5% to 35%
Soya flour 20.85% 15% to 35%
Diatomaceous earth powder 48.2% 30% to 65%
Gum acacia powder 0.45% 0.2% to 5%

1. Effect of seed coating formulations on wheat crop
The effect of composition for seed coating formulation trials was performed to check in India. The seeds taken per acre of the land are represented as Seed Rate/acre and it is 50 Kg/acre. Further, the crop is wheat crop and varieties are 4212 (Rasi), Bisco-X-92 (Limagrain), S6668 (Syngenta) and PAC 751 (Advanta). They are commercially available. The trial design is ‘Randomized Block Design in triplicate’. The method of application formulation includes seed treatments before sowing. The outcome is presented in two data sets. The first data set compares the outcome between untreated seeds (UT), seeds treated with seed coating formulation 1 as mentioned above. The results are compared with the number of days after sowing (DAS) for 15-90 days.
Data set 1: Data set 1 presents the outcome on Seed germination, Crop vigour, Plant height increase, increase in Root weight, increase in shoot weight, increase in leaf length, and increase in leaf width in percentages as presented in below Table 2.
Data Set 1: Table 2
Product % Seed germination (15 DAS) Crop vigour % (70 DAS) Plant height increase %
(40 DAS) % increase in Root weight
(40 DAS) % increase in shoot weight
(40 DAS) % increase in leaf length
(90 DAS) % increase in leaf width
(90 DAS)
UT 58.4 100 100 100 100 100 100
F1 61.2 130 119 139 135 116 113

Data set 2: Data set 2 presents the outcome on Tillers count for (50DAS), Productive tillers count (90DAS), Panicle length (cm), Panicle weight (gm), Grain count/ panicle, and Yield (Kg/plot) as presented in below Table 3.
Data Set 2: Table 3
Product Tillers count (50DAS) Productive tillers count
(90 DAS) Panicle length (cm) Panicle weight (gm) Grain count/ panicle Yield (Kg/plot)
UT 174 87 9.3 2.3 45 5.99
F1 213 108 10.36 2.75 57 7.23

2. Effect of seed coating formulations on corn crop
The effect of composition for seed coating formulation trials was performed to check in India. The seeds taken per acre of the land are represented as Seed Rate/acre and it is 50 Kg/acre. Further, the crop is corn crop and variety are PBW 550. It is commercially available. The trial design is ‘Randomized Block Design in triplicate’. The method of application formulation includes seed treatments before sowing. The outcome is presented in two data sets. The first data set compares the outcome between untreated seeds (UT), market sample (MS), and seeds treated with seed coating formulation 1 mentioned above. The results are compared with the number of days after sowing (DAS) for 25-80 days.
Data set 1: Data set 1 presents the outcome on % increase in Crop vigour (49 DAS), Plant height in cm (25 DAS), Stem girth (cm), 50 DAS, Root weight (gm), Shoot weight (gm) as presented in Table 4 below.
The open field trial study on corn demonstrated the positive effects of a product on early seed germination and germination rate. Plants treated with the enzyme mix showed improved crop vigor compared to untreated plants. Additionally, there was a notable increase in crop height, stem girth, and shoot and root weight. The results suggested that enzyme mix products have a beneficial impact on the overall growth of corn crops, outperforming bio-based market standards.
Data Set 1: Table 4
Product % increase in Crop vigour (49 DAS) Plant height in cm
(25 DAS) Stem girth (cm)
(50 DAS) Root weight (gm)
(25 DAS) Shoot weight (gm)
(25 DAS)
UT 100% 56.1 22.6 7.9 72
F1 117% 63.6 26.3 11.9 97.2
MS 115% 62.2 25.2 10.2 89.1

Data set 2: Data set 2 presents the outcome on Cobs/plot (80 DAS), Yield (Kg/plot) Test weight of 100 grains (gm), Kernels count/cob, and Yield (Kg/plot) as presented in below Table 5. The measurements were recorded after the harvesting process, during which the cobs were initially sun-dried before being measured.
Data Set 2: Table 5
Product Cobs/plot
(80 DAS) Yield (Kg/plot)
Test weight of 100 grains (gm) Kernels count/cob
Yield (Kg/plot)

UT 61 6.4 25.1 509 6.4
F1 69 8.7 29.2 603 8.7
MS 66 7.7 29 574 7.7

3. Delayed leaf senescence:
The process of leaf senescence entails actively transferring nutrients from decaying leaves to other regions of the plant. Furthermore, prolonging leaf senescence has the potential to elongate the period of photosynthesis and potentially augment the overall quantity of carbon retained by a crop. Senescence can be induced by various factors such as oxidative stress, telomere damage or shortening, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of chromatin, inflammation caused due to agricultural pests, dysregulation of epigenetics, and activation of oncogenes.
By delaying leaf senescence, plants encountering water stress can safeguard the conveyance of stored nutrients amid various parts of the plant, resulting in amplified crop yields. As a result, this can be seen as a method for overcoming challenging circumstances and mitigating the damage caused by agricultural pests. Figure 1 illustrates F1 treated corn crop for 60 Days after sowing, which is compared to the market sample (MS 60DAS), wherein the F1 treated corn cob shows the enhanced effectiveness of F1 over MS treated corn samples. Likewise, Figure 2 illustrates comparison on delayed leaf senescence in untreated (UT) seeds to F1 treated corn for (95DAS). Thus, F1 treated samples show delayed leaf senescence compared to the untreated samples.
4. Evaluation of the activities of active enzymes used for seed coating:
In order to evaluate the efficacy and contribution of active enzymes in an enzyme mix , the desired enzymatic activities of enzymes in the final formulated products were archived successfully. This activity data also indicated that there are no inhibitory effects of non-enzymatic components present in the formulations, thus validating an optimum formulation, as shown in below Table 6. Thus, the study further emphasizes the synergic activity of the seed coating composition comprising enzymes amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase, phytase; along with soya flour, diatomaceous earth powder, gum acacia powder, and agriculturally accepted excipients. More importantly, the specific proportions of 1:5:2:5:2.25 parts of amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase & phytase respectively in a range of 5 – 35% 15% to 35% w/w of soya flour, 30% to 65% w/w of diatomaceous earth powder, 0.2-5% w/w of gum acacia powder, and agriculturally accepted excipients, combined together have resulted in the enhanced effect.
Therefore, it is noteworthy to highlight that the functions of each of the five enzymes in the formulation F1 have been delineated, and the operational efficacy of all five enzymes in the prepared product has been assessed. The entirety of the enzymes exhibit functionality within the formulation, synergistically enhancing plant vitality and development through their interactions with specific substrates present in both soil and seeds.
Table 6: Evaluation of the activities of enzymes used for seed coating
S. No. Name of the
enzyme Active Enzymatic activity in formulated product(U/g)
1 a - amylase 113
2 Lipase 756
3 Protease 45
4 Cellulase 612
5 Phytase 497

Advantages of the seed coating composition
? The seed coating composition is 100% eco-friendly and biodegradable.
? The seed coating composition is functional at low dosage rates of 1 - 3 Gm / Kg of seeds.
? The seed coating composition promotes early and uniform seed germination.
? Improves root and shoot development, higher chlorophyll content, larger leaf blades, higher tiller count, more productive panicle, improved girth measurement, increased nutritional value etc.
? The seed coating composition improves yields in a range of 15 – 30 %.
? The seed coating composition provides improved biotic and abiotic stress tolerance.
? The seed coating composition provides enhanced protection from agricultural pests.
? The seed coating composition provides improved soil health.
? The seed coating composition assists in the growth of soil microbial flora.
? The seed coating composition is functionally active at a broad pH range of 4.5-8 and temperature range of 10-55°C.
? The seed coating composition starts working immediately on soil or seed without a lag.
The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate aspects, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate aspect of the present disclosure.
Moreover, though the description of the present disclosure has included description of one or more aspects, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those disclosed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. ,CLAIMS:1. A seed coating composition, wherein the composition comprises:
(a) 5% to 35% w/w of an enzyme mix comprising amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase and phytase;
(b) 15% to 35% w/w of soya flour,
(c) 30% to 65% w/w of diatomaceous earth powder,
(d) 0.2%-5% w/w of gum acacia powder, and
(e) agriculturally accepted excipients.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enzyme mix comprises: 1:5:2:5:2.25 parts of amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase & phytase respectively.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seed coating composition is in form of an emulsion, oil-in-water emulsion, water-in-oil emulsion, emulsifiable concentrate, nano emulsions, microemulsion, emulsifiable granule, granules, water dispersible granules, powder, suspension, suspension concentrate, capsule suspensions, capsule, liquid, spray, driftless formulation, oil dispersion or wettable powder, or an encapsulated granule and the like.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seed coating composition is stable for a shelf life of 2 - 3 years.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seed coating composition is stable at a range pf pH 4.5 to 8.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seed coating composition is suitable for cereal, pulses, fruits, and vegetables and the like, with thin, soft, thick, or hard seed coats.
7. A method of preparing seed coating composition comprising enzyme mix, soya flour, diatomaceous earth powder, gum acacia powder, and agriculturally accepted excipients comprising steps:
(a) preparing enzyme mixture in 5% to 35% w/w from a group comprising amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase and phytase;
(b) mixing binding agents comprising 15 - 35% w/w of soya flour, 30 - 65% w/w of diatomaceous earth powder, 0.2 - 5% w/w of gum acacia powder;
(c) adding mixture of step (b) to step (a), while maintaining a pH of 4.5 to 8;
(d) preparing the mixture to the suitability of seed coats; and
(e) applying the prepared mixture to the seeds.