GB1053036A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,053,036. Seed pellets. GERMAIN'S Inc. May 21, 1965 [Sept. 21, 1964], No. 21722/65. Heading A2Q. A seed pellet comprises a viable seed, e.g. a monogerm sugar-beet seed, coated with a plurality of superimposed layers, one of which is spaced from the seed, as by a barrier layer of activated carbon, and contains sufficient systemic insecticide or pesticide to protect the future plant from attack by pests and insects such as maggots, symphylans and leaf-hoppers. (The latter spread the virus disease "curly top" among sugar-beet leaves). The seed pellet also comprises at least one other layer containing a hygroscopic substance such as sub-bentonite clay, which also functions as an adhesive. The seed pellet may comprise a seed coated with an inner layer of a hygroscopic substance and/or activated carbon, and an outer layer of systemic insecticide mixed with a hygroscopic substance. The seed pellet preferably comprises an outermost layer or envelope, e.g. of sub-bentonite clay, to protect operatives from the systemic insecticide or pesticide. Seed pellets made according to the invention are preferably uniform in size and shape, to facilitate mechanical drilling. Specified systemic insecticides and pesticides are: O, O, diethyl S-(ethylthiomethyl) phosphorodithioate, O, O-diethyl O (and S)- 2-(ethylthio) ethyl phosphorothioates, and O, O-diethyl S-2 (ethylthio) ethyl phosphorodithioate, between 0.25 and 8.0 ounces of which may be present in the coatings of each two pounds of seeds, and O, O-dimethyl S-2-(ethyl sulphinyl) ethyl phosphorothioate, O, O-diethyl O-2-pyrazinyl phosphorothioate O-2, 4-dichlorophenyl O, O-diethyl phosphorothioate, and aldrin, between 0.5 and 16.0 ounces of which may be present in the coatings of each two pounds of seeds. The application of an accurately measured quantity of a systemic insecticide or pesticide to the root and sap systems of a newly germinated seedling, is facilitated when a seed, coated according to the invention, is planted in soil under conditions favouring hygroscopic disruption of the coatings, and subsequent germination of the seed.