WO2014187728A1

WO2014187728A1 - Seed soaking apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2014187728A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/059979
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Weiss
Original assignee: Syngenta Participations Ag
Priority date: 2013-05-22
Filing date: 2014-05-15
Publication date: 2014-11-27

Abstract

A seed soaking apparatus comprises a flexible, closeable, water impermeable outer container (10), an air and water permeable inner container (20), a plurality of seeds (30) and at least one agrochemical. A seed treatment method can utilize the soaking apparatus.

Description

Seed Soaking Apparatus and Method

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the storage, transport and soaking of seeds, and to methods of treating seeds using the apparatus.

Background of the Invention

Some crop seeds are preferably soaked in liquid prior to planting. For example rice seeds can be soaked in water for approximately 12-48 hours to activate germination of the seed. The soaked seed is then exposed to the ambient air before being sown into a rice field. In many locations, water permeable bags containing rice are placed in canals, streams, or other standing bodies of water for the soaking step. This simplifies the soaking procedure, however, it can be unsuitable for seeds treated with agrochemical products which remain in the water when the seed is removed.

Agrochemical treatment to seeds can provide improvements in both the yield and quality of the crops grown from the treated seeds. Agents such as pesticides, including fungicides and insecticides, and growth promoting agents are known. Seed treatment may be conducted using a variety of equipment depending on the nature of the agrochemical to be applied, such as by dust-treater, powder applicator, slurry seed treater, or direct treater. In some cases seed treatment with agrochemical compositions is conducted with the use of an excess of agrochemical, resulting in the generation of agrochemical waste.

It is desirable to minimise the quantity of agrochemical waste materials which must be disposed of, and to minimise or prevent any agrochemical remaining in the environment after treatments are performed. Due to the potentially hazardous nature of treatment agents it can be preferred to minimise exposure to the everyday users of such materials, who may be handling them on a regular basis.

DE 44 10 513 discloses a single layer of seeds in a flexible, permeable bag which can be placed in a water-holding container for soaking seeds such as cereal seeds. It is also known to grow entire plants in systems comprising bags, such as disclosed in AU 567 837 and US 3,739,522. JP 2007/1 19006 describes a flexible container for transport and storage of granular material, with an outer bag having woven knitted fabric of thermoplastic resin fibre and inner bag formed using polyolefin porous film and having preset water vapour permeability. US 5,253,759 refers to a containerisation system for storage and transport of hazardous products comprising at least one inner cold water soluble bag located within an outer cold water soluble bag. DE 2,104,239 solves the problem of difficult removal of water- soluble viscous material from jars and cans by providing them in a container having a double-wall construction with an inner container made from water-permeable material and an outer casing made from water-impermeable material. EP 0,190,776 describes a double- walled storage container for toxic materials comprising an inner container of a flexible water- soluble material and an outer container of a water-resistant flexible material.

Despite advances in the art, there remains a need for alternative methods and apparatus for the soaking of seeds, which address the problems associated with known methods, minimises waste, and provides improved safety and ease of handling. The present invention addresses these problems and in particular provides improvements in ease of operator-handling, reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a seed soaking apparatus which comprises an air and water permeable inner container, a plurality of seeds in the inner container, a flexible, closeable, water impermeable outer container, and at least one agrochemical provided in or on at least one of the inner container, the seeds, and the outer container. The outer container is closed when the seed soaking apparatus is in use.

The seeds may comprise at least one agrochemical and/or at least one agrochemical may be provided in the inner and/or outer container. The inner container can be formed from a material such as water-soluble films, fabric, perforated or porous composite and non- composite materials, or composite agro waste based polymer. The outer container can be formed from a material such as polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, copolymers, laminated composite films, paper-based boards or poly structures, fabrics, composite and non- composite materials, or composite agro waste based polymer.

Optionally at least a portion of the inner container can be physically attached to at least a portion of the outer container, for example, by sewing, heat sealing, gluing, or a

combination thereof. The inner container can be disposed within the outer container. The outer container can define a space when closed, the inner container being approximately equal in size to the space.

An apparatus according to the invention may comprise instructions for use. The seeds may be rice seeds which are optionally provided with at least one agrochemical.

In a second aspect, a method of treating seeds is provided which comprises providing a plurality of seeds in an air and water permeable inner container, placing the inner container inside a flexible, water impermeable outer container, adding water to the outer container, closing the outer container, and allowing the seeds to soak for a period of time, where the seeds comprise at least one agrochemical and/or at least one agrochemical is provided to the inner container and/or the outer container. The inner container may be closed after the seeds are provided therein. The sealed outer container may be physically manipulated while the seeds are soaking, for example, kneaded, flipped, or rolled. In practice, the inner container is located or placed inside the outer container and a defined amount of water is added to the outer container. The amount is sufficient to allow the seeds to become fully imbibed. The seeds may be pre-treated with agrochemical or not. Alternatively or in addition, a defined amount of an agrochemical composition may be added to the water in advance or placed directly inside the outer container. The outer container may then be closed or tied off such that the liquid does not escape and left for the required period of time, such as 24 to 48 hours, to allow the soaking/treatment process to run its course. The addition of only the required amount of water or agrochemical composition ensures that there is little or no residual water or chemical waste at the end of the soaking/treatment process.

During the soaking/treatment process the container may be turned or rolled

occasionally, such as 4 or 5 times or shaken, kneaded, or otherwise manipulated by the operator. Particularly in the case of a small quantity of seeds, such as up to 10 kg, manual kneading by the operator is particularly suitable and effective for ensuring even application to the seeds. At the end of the soaking/treatment process, the containers may be opened and the seeds spread out, for example on the ground, and the germination process allowed to continue.

The present invention has advantages over known methods in that it ensures the agrochemical remains on or is taken up by the seed during the initiation of the germination phase and does not get wasted, or washed off. There is minimal residual water or agrochemical in a treatment container to be disposed of.

The inner and outer containers do not need to be physically attached, however, such attachment may be preferred in order to ensure the outer-container is not lost or

inadvertently discarded. In a preferred embodiment, the inner container is attached to the outer container in a manner which allows access to the inner container for purposes such as seed filling, labelling and sealing. Preferably, the attachment of the inner container to the outer container is made approximately at the base of both containers.

The inner container may be attached to the outer container by sewing, heat sealing, gluing, shrink wrapping, or by any other standard means, or a combination thereof. Where the outer container will be in place when the inner container is filled with seed, the attachment method should be robust enough to prevent detachment of the outer container during the seed-filling and handling processes. The inner container and outer containers may be sealable or re-sealable by any commonly known methods which can depend on the material used for the containers as further described below.

It may be preferred that the dimensions of the inner and outer containers are approximately equal such that the outer container provides a close fit to the inner container when the inner container is filled with seed and outer container is sealed. It can be preferred that the inner container is approximately equal in shape and size to the base of the outer container when in use. Any additional volume in the outer container would thus be above the inner container which would fill with air, keeping the treating liquid on and around the seeds. This helps ensure maximum contact between the water or agrochemical composition and the seed, and minimises liquid collecting between the inner container and outer containers, improving the efficiency of the process.

One method for maximising water to seed contact is to provide the outer container in the form of a self sealing or self adhesive foil or film. A user could unfold or e.g. cut from a roll a suitable piece of product, wrap it partially around the inner container, add water through the remaining open portion then then wrap or fold the remaining material of the outer container to close around the inner container.

While it may be most convenient to provide one inner container with seed for each outer container, the invention encompasses an outer container provided with a plurality of inner containers. For example, in crops where a grower may sow successively or sow different varieties at different times during the growing season, they may be provided with a single outer container and a plurality of inner containers. Each inner container will comprise an amount of seed. After using the outer and the first inner container to treat the seeds in the first inner container, the outer container can be reused with the second and subsequent inner containers at the appropriate time for planting the seeds contained therein. An outer container for use in such circumstances is preferably not reactive with or otherwise unable to retain, through e.g. chemical or physical bonding, agrochemical used therein. This prevents cross contamination of different inner containers. Alternatively, all seeds could be treated with the same agrochemical(s) such that traces of residue in the outer container would not present a significant issue.

A plurality of inner containers can also be preferred for even distribution of seeds in particular during the soaking process. Furthermore a plurality of inner containers can also be configured to maximize water use efficiency as further described below.

The volume of the inner container may be of any size and is preferably of a size to hold from a few hundred grams to several hundred kilograms of seed. Preferably, the volume of the inner container is from 250 ml to 500 I. More preferably, the volume of the inner container is from 500 ml to 400 I. Yet more preferably, the volume of the inner container is from 1 I to 300 I. Even more preferably, the volume of the inner container is from 5 I to 200 I. Even more preferably, the volume of the inner container is from 10 I to 100 I. Even more preferably, the volume of the inner container is from 20 to 50 liters.

The material of the inner container may be any material or structure that permits the ingress of air and water, while preventing the leakage of seeds. Typical materials include water-soluble films (such as hot water or cold water PVA or PVA co-polymer grades), woven bags, sacks and fabrics (e.g. PP, lumber cloth, natural fiber or synthetic fiber, optionally laminated with e.g. PE), gusseted bags, perforated bags of porous or membrane based composite and non-composite material types (including paper, metal foils such as aluminum foil, PE wax coated surface films), Leno / mesh bag, or composite agro waste based polymer. For example the inner container may be any of the currently used standard bags for bagging storage and selling of seed. In some embodiments the inner container could be soluble, biodegradable, or disintegrateable during the soaking process, or after the soaking process. Likewise any or all of the agrochemicals provided in conjunction with the inventive product could be supplied in a package which is designed to dissolve or disintegrate during the soaking process.

It is also contemplated to choose material for the inner container based on water transport capacity. In particular where larger volumes of seeds will be placed in the container and/or where the soaking will take place with little or no physical movement of the container, having an inner container which contributes to the even distribution of water over and among the seeds can be preferred. For example, paper, textile and sponge materials which are known for good capillary action or wicking properties could be employed.

The material of the outer container may be any material or structure that is

impermeable to water. Typical materials include various rigid plastic types such as polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, surface modified), polyesters, polyamides or copolymers (straight or extruded), or flexible materials such as laminated composite films (e.g. PET, metal foils such as aluminum foil, PE, BOPP, nylon, EVOH, LDPE) or paper-based boards or poly structures. Also contemplated are woven bags, sacks and fabrics (e.g. PP, lumber cloth, natural fiber or synthetic fiber, optionally laminated with e.g. PE), gusseted bags, composite and non-composite material types (including paper, metal foils such as aluminum foil, PE wax coated surface films), Leno / mesh bag, composite agro waste based polymer, and canvas. The material may naturally create a barrier or hindrance to UV light and/or additives may be used to reduce or stop the passage of UV light through the material.

The inner and outer containers are preferably robust enough to withstand the processes experienced during their lifetime, such as palleting (stacking), sealing or closing, handling, transportation and storage, in addition to the soaking process. The product may be provided as a sealed seed-filed inner container inside an outer container sealed with a re- sealable seal. Alternatively the outer container could be provided within the inner container so long as it could be removed and placed outside the inner container then sealed when in use. The inner container is preferably labelled with the contents and other necessary information. The outer container is preferably labelled with the instructions for use, and can include information on the required amount of water to be added for soaking.

Examples of seals and resealable closures will vary depending on the materials used. They include zipper types, zipper tape types, press locks, zip-locks, zip-seals, re-sealable adhesive materials, slider locks or slider-type locks, valve types, press-to-close types, and hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®). They can be formed from any suitable material, for example PP, PE, fabric, aluminium foil, peelable thermoforms, PVC, paper/glue or rubber based. Other examples include seams sewn with e.g. string or wire, twist tie closures, plastic and/or metal crimps and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of an apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section along the line ll-ll in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a transverse cross-section along the line Ill-Ill in Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a side elevational view of an apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a side elevational view of an apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 6A-6E schematically represent a process according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention includes both an apparatus or containerization system, and methods of use thereof. The apparatus includes an outer container, and an inner container. The inner container is provided with a plurality of seeds.

Within the scope of the invention, the seeds of plants which may be subject to the pretreatment process typically comprise the following: cereals (wheat, barley, rye, oat, rice, maize, sorghum and related species); beets (sugar beet, red beet, fodder beet); leguminous plants (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans); oil plants (rape, mustard, poppy, olives, sunflowers, castor oil plants, groundnuts); cucurbit plants (pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, squash, watermelon); fibre plants (cotton, flax, hemp, jute, sisal); vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, paprika, endive, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, pepper); grasses for example Bermuda grass, bluegrass, bentgrass, centipede grass, fescue, ryegrass, St. Augustine grass and Zoysia grass; herbs such as basil, borage, chives, coriander, lavender, lovage, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme; tobacco and ornamentals.

Preferably, the inner container contains cereal seeds. Rice seeds are most preferred. In this context rice includes the cereals scientifically classified as rice such as Oryza glaberrima, O. nivara, O. rufipogon and O. sativa and also plants which are commonly referred to as rice for example Zizania spp. Seeds of crop plants described herein are to be understood as being those which are naturally occurring, obtained by conventional methods of breeding, or obtained by genetic engineering. They include crops which contain so-called output traits (e.g. improved storage stability, higher nutritional value and improved flavour).

Seeds are to be understood as also including those for crops which have been rendered tolerant to herbicides like bromoxynil or classes of herbicides such as ALS-, EPSPS-, GS-, HPPD- and PPO-inhibitors. They are also to be understood as being those which naturally are or have been rendered resistant to harmful insects. This includes plants transformed by the use of recombinant DNA techniques, for example, to be capable of synthesising one or more selectively acting toxins, such as are known, for example, from toxin-producing bacteria. Examples of toxins which can be expressed include δ-endotoxins, vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vip), insecticidal proteins of bacteria colonising nematodes, and toxins produced by scorpions, arachnids, wasps and fungi.

Recombinant DNA techniques also include for example polynucleotide compositions which could be used for treating seeds. Polynucleotide compositions employed in various embodiments of the present intention include compositions comprising oligonucleotides or polynucleotides or a mixture of both, including RNA or DNA or RNA DNA hybrids or chemically modified oligonucleotides or polynucleotides or mixtures of these.

In an embodiment, the polynucleotide may be a combination of ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides, for example, synthetic polynucleotides consisting mainly of ribonucleotides (with one or more terminal deoxyribonucleotides) or synthetic polynucleotides consisting mainly of deoxyribonucleotides (with one or more terminal

dideoxyribonucleotides). In some of the embodiments described here, the polynucleotide includes, but is not limited to, non-canonical nucleotides such as inosine, thiouridine, or pseudouridine.

In an embodiment, the polynucleotide may include chemically modified nucleotides. Examples of chemically modified oligonucleotides or polynucleotides are known in the art and are commercially available (for example from Thermo Scientific, PromoKine, Sigma, and Amgen). By way of example, a naturally occurring phosphodiester backbone of an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide can be partially or completely modified with

phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage modifications, modified nucleoside bases. Modified sugars can be used in oligonucleotide or polynucleotide synthesis and oligonucleotides or polynucleotides can be labelled with a fluorescent moiety (for example fluorescein or rhodamine) or other label (for example biotin). The polynucleotides can be single- or double-stranded RNA or single- or double-stranded DNA or double-stranded DNA RNA hybrids or modified analogues thereof, of suitable oligonucleotide length.

In more specific embodiments the polynucleotides that provide single-stranded RNA are selected from the group consisting of: a single-stranded RNA molecule, a single- stranded RNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double- stranded RNA molecule, a double-stranded RNA molecule, a single-stranded DNA molecule, a single-stranded DNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded DNA molecule, a single-stranded DNA molecule including a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, a double-stranded DNA molecule, a double-stranded DNA molecule including a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, and a double-stranded, hybridized RNA DNA molecule, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments polynucleotides include chemically modified nucleotides or non- canonical nucleotides. The polynucleotides can include double-stranded DNA formed by intramolecular hybridization, double-stranded DNA formed by intermolecular hybridization, double-stranded RNA formed by intramolecular hybridization, or double-stranded RNA formed by intermolecular hybridization.

In an embodiment the polynucleotides include single-stranded DNA or single-stranded RNA that self-hybridizes to form a hairpin structure having at least a partially double-stranded structure including at least one segment that will hybridize under physiological conditions in a plant, a tissue or root of a plant or a pest of the plant, a pest of the tissue or a pest of the root of the plant, to RNA transcribed from the gene targeted for suppression. Without any intention of being bound by theory or any physicochemical mechanisms, it is believed that such polynucleotides are or will produce single-stranded RNA molecules wherein at least one segment of such molecules would hybridize under physiological conditions in a plant or root cell to RNA species transcribed (for example mRNA) from the gene that has been targeted for suppression.

In some embodiments polynucleotides further include a promoter, generally a promoter functional in a plant, a tissue or root of a plant or a pest of the plant, a pest of the tissue or a pest of the root of the plant for example, a pol II promoter, a pol III promoter, a pol IV promoter, or a pol V promoter which are plant specific, tissue specific, root specific or have transcriptional activity in a pest of the plant, a pest of the tissue or a pest of the root of the plant.

Seeds used in conjunction with the apparatus and method of the invention may be untreated, or some or all of the seeds may be pre-treated with an agrochemical composition. Where the seeds are untreated, agrochemical(s) can be added to the inner or outer container prior to or during the soaking process. Where the seeds are pre-treated there may nonetheless be additional agrochemical(s) added prior to or during the soaking process. Multiple treatment routes may be used in combination. For example, harvested seeds may be treated with agrochemicals for example to minimize disease or contamination in the seed and/or to protect it from pests during storage, Seeds could then be preteated with a product intended to protect the germinating seed or emerging plant, then soaked using the inventive device with water which has been augmented with agrochemicals. It is also contemplated that one or both of the containers could be impregnated or coated with agrochemical. In a preferred embodiment insecticidal agrochemicals are provided in, on or to the outer container such that insects attempting to enter the container would be repelled or killed.

The present invention is particularly, and preferably, applicable to those agrochemicals used in seed pre-treatment processes, such as fungicides, insecticides, bactericides, acaricides, nematicides and/or plant growth regulators. These agents may be provided as formulations comprising, inter alia, carriers, surfactants or application promoting adjuvants customarily employed in the art of formulation. The present invention is also suitable for use with other agrochemicals such as primers and safeners.

Examples of suitable agrochemicals include the following:

(i) Insecticides such as benzoylureas, carbamates, chloronicotinyls, diacylhydrazines, diamides, fiproles. macrolides, neonicotinoids, nitroimines, nitromethylenes, organochlorines, organophosphates, organosilicons, organotins, phenylpyrazoles, phosphoric esters, pyrethroids, spinosyns, tetramic acid derivatives and tetronic acid derivatives.

Specific examples of preferred insecticides include thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiodicarb, aldicarb, carbofuran, furadan, fenoxycarb, carbaryl, sevin, ethienocarb, fenobucarb,

chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, flubendiamide, spinosad, spinetoram, lambda- cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, tefluthrin, fipronil, and sulfoxaflor.

(ii) Fungicides such as acycloamino acid fungicides, aliphatic nitrogen fungicides, amide fungicides, anilide fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, aromatic fungicides, arsenical fungicides, aryl phenyl ketone fungicides, benzamide fungicides, benzanilide fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, benzothiazole fungicides, botanical fungicides, bridged diphenyl fungicides, carbamate fungicides, carbanilate fungicides, conazole fungicides, copper fungicides, dicarboximide fungicides, dinitrophenol fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, dithiolane fungicides, furamide fungicides, furanilide fungicides, hydrazide fungicides, imidazole fungicides, mercury fungicides, morpholine fungicides, organophosphorous fungicides, organotin fungicides, oxathiin fungicides, oxazole fungicides, phenylsulfamide fungicides, polysulfide fungicides, pyrazole fungicides, pyridine fungicides, pyrimidine fungicides, pyrrole fungicides, quaternary ammonium fungicides, quinoline fungicides, quinone fungicides, quinoxaline fungicides, strobilurin fungicides, sulfonanilide fungicides, thiadiazole fungicides, thiazole fungicides, thiazolidine fungicides, thiocarbamate fungicides, thiophene fungicides, triazine fungicides, triazole fungicides, triazolopyrimidine fungicides, urea fungicides, valinamide fungicides, and zinc fungicides.

Specific examples of preferred fungicides include azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, tebuconazole, triticonazole, fludioxonil, thiabendazole, ipconazole, cyprodinil, myclobutanil, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M (also known as mefenoxam), sedaxane, and penflufen.

(iii) Nematicides such as antibiotic nematicides, avermectin nematicides, botanical nematicides, carbamate nematicides, oxime carbamate nematicides, and organophosphorus nematicides.

Specific examples of preferred nematicides include abamectin, aldicarb, thiadicarb, carbofuran, carbosulfan, oxamyl, aldoxycarb, ethoprop, methomyl, benomyl, alanycarb, iprodione, phenamiphos (fenamiphos), fensulfothion, terbufos, fosthiazate, dimethoate, phosphocarb, dichlofenthion, isamidofos, fosthietan, isazofos ethoprophos, cadusafos, terbufos, chlorpyrifos, dichlofenthion, heterophos, isamidofos, mecarphon, phorate, thionazin, triazophos, diamidafos, fosthietan, phosphamidon, imicyafos, captan, thiophanate- methyl and thiabendazole.

(iv) Nematicidally active biological agents include any biological agent that has nematicidal activity and could be used with the present invention. The biological agent can be any type known in the art including bacteria and fungi. The wording "nematicidally active" refers to having an effect on, such as reduction in damage caused by, agricultural-related nematodes. Examples of nematicidally active biological agents include Bacillus firmus, B. cereus, B. subtilis, Pasteuria penetrans, P. nishizawae, P. ramosa, P. thornei, and P. usgae. A suitable Bacillus firmus strain is strain CNCM 1-1582 which is commercially available as BioNem™. A suitable Bacillus cereus strain is strain CNCM 1-1562. Of both Bacillus strains more details can be found in US 6,406,690.

As noted above the agrochemicals of the invention may be provided in the form of formulated products. There can be many purposes for doing so, and for each a different component might be added. For example, it might be desired to protect seed during storage and transport from any toxicity issues associated with close physical proximity to an agrochemical. It might be desired to maximize dispersal of the agrochemical in the soaking water. Many other purposes and solutions will be apparent to the skilled person. Bactericides as used herein includes true bactericides as well as similar products such as antiseptics, anti-bacterials, microbicides, and disinfectants. They may be provided to reduce or prevent degradation of the containers, agrochemicals and/or formulation adjuvants. Such agents may help prevent biological growth upon seeds and/or infection, degradation or decay of soaked seed. Such agents could also be provided to prevent or reduce unpleasant odor or appearance occurring as a result of the soaking. Perfumes or odor absorption agents may also be employed for this purpose. In particular with regard to rice, it is noted that unpleasant odor can encourage rinsing of soaked seed. Doing so could defeat some of the benefit of pre-treating seeds with agrochemicals by washing them away. Therefore it will be appreciated that a neutral or pleasant smelling soaked rice seed may help encourage maximum beneficial use of the invention.

Examples of suitable bactericides include amicarthiazol, amylmetacresol,

benzalkonium chloride, bismerthiazol, bronopol, cellocidin, chloramphenicol, chloroxylenol, copper hydroxide, cresol, dichlorophen, dipyrithione, dodicin, ethylicin, fenaminosulf, formaldehyde, hexachlorophene, hydrargaphen, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, nitrapyrin, octhilinone, oxolinic acid, oxytetracycline, phenazine oxide, probenazole, saisentong, silver such as high valency silver, streptomycin, tecloftalam, thiodiazole-copper, thiomersal, thymol, and zinc thiazol. Skilled persons will appreciate the amount and placement of bactericide will be chosen to maximize beneficial effects whilst minimizing any detrimental effect on the seed or germination thereof.

Other additives which are used with agrochemical products and in particular with treated seeds may advantageously be provided in conjunction with the present invention. Such additives include, but are not limited to, uv-protectants, colorants, brighteners, pigments, dyes, extenders, dispersing agents, excipients, anti-freeze agents, herbicidal safeners, seed safeners, seed conditioners, micronutients, fertilizers, surfactants,

sequestering agents, plasticizers, polymers, emulsifiers, flow agents, coalescing agents, defoaming agents, humectants, thickeners, and waxes. Such additives are commercially available and known in the art.

The present invention additionally includes a method of treatment of seeds with an agrochemical composition or of soaking pre-treated seeds with water, comprising the addition of the agrochemical composition, or of water, to an apparatus containing the seeds as defined herein, sealing the outer container, allowing the seeds to soak for a predetermined period as required based on the nature of the seed and/or agrochemical, and optionally kneading and/or intermittently flipping or rolling the apparatus to enable uniform mixing. The methods and apparatus of the invention may be used for the application of any suitable agrochemical to the seed of any appropriate plant or crop. The methods are particularly suitable for pretreatment with formulations of pesticides, such as those of systemic insecticides. Examples include FORTENZA-brand insecticides which contain cyantraniliprole and CRUISER-brand insecticides which contain thiamethoxam.

The following examples are provided by way of exemplification and not limitation.

As seen in Figures 1-3, an outer container 10 is provided in the form of a bag with an opening 1 1 . Located inside outer container 10 is an inner container 20 containing a plurality of seeds 30. For ease of illustration a few large, round seeds are depicted. In practice seeds will most likely be packed in the inner container and may be any variety of shapes and sizes.

Inner container 20 is sized and configured to snugly fit inside outer container 10 once water has been added and outer container 10 is closed and sealed (not shown). This will allow maximum contact between the water and seeds 30, improving the chances that all seeds are exposed to water and soak under the best possible conditions.

The inner container 20 of Figures 2-3 is shown as a solid layer. As will be apparent, based on the material chosen the inner container could be perforated, loosely woven material, etc. Furthermore, the embodiment of Figures 1-3 has inner and outer containers which are generally rectangular in shape. Any shape could be employed with the present invention. Preference may be given to shapes which are easy and economical to

manufacture, store, transport, and use.

As mentioned above, a plurality of inner containers could be provided. Furthermore, the inner container may be configured as a plurality of individual spaces or chambers optionally formed from a single contiguous material.

The physical manipulation recommended for soaking seeds may in some

circumstances be facilitated by having a round or cylindrical container, however, such shapes might be costlier to provide. An alternative is to rely on a device which flips or rotates containers. Machinery used, for example, to rotate wood beams to shape e.g. table legs might provide a basis for such a device. Another known configuration is a spit placed horizontally with either end on a spit fork, the spit being rotated manually or with a motor. One or more outer containers could be affixed to such a spit and rotated at the desired rate for the chosen amount of time. Means to manipulate the containers could be provided as an integral part of the outer container.

Such manipulation means could for example be provided as a band or handle. It could be a single or multiple grommets. The number, type and placement of the means can be adapted to the preferred method of manipulating the seeds. For example, loops or grommets approximately along a mid-line of the outer container might be used where the outer container is to be rotated around a single pivot. Means at opposite ends of a container could be provided if it is to be hung or suspended for a period of time, then rotated 180° and hung or suspended from the opposite edge.

Where maintaining a relatively equal distribution of seeds within the container is desired, it may be preferred to provide the seeds in a multi-chambered inner container or a plurality of inner containers which are substantially stationary relative to one another when in use.

Figure 4 depicts an outer container 10 having an opening 1 1 and a seal 12. Seal 12 is made from a common interlocking zipper-type closure and is shown as a single closure. Dual closures can be provided e.g. as parallel, closely spaced grooves along an edge of the outer container. In use, the interlocking closure is eased apart, and if not already provided within, an inner container with seeds is added, as is water an optionally agrochemical(s). The interlocking closure is then sealed shut and the seeds allowed to soak.

Figure 5 shows an outer container 10 having an opening 1 1 covering substantially one side of outer container 10. A cover 13 can be removed from outer container 10 as shown, exposing opening 1 1 and allowing access to contents inside of the outer container (no contents shown). Cover 13 might be attached with adhesive, which might allow cover 13 to be placed back on outer container 10 in a sealed manner. Alternatively a cover could be configured as an integral part of the outer container, formed by e.g. a line of weakening which, once broken or town, would create a permanent opening in the outer container.

Multiple covers could be provided on an outer container. For example, if an outer container had two or more discrete interior compartments each capable of receiving an inner container, a separate cover could be provided to access each inner compartment.

Other adaptations to the inventive apparatus can be provided beyond that shown in the figures. For example, a water injection port could be provided on the outer container to allow for addition of water without opening the outer container. Once the device used to inject water through the port is removed, the port could self-seal or be manually sealed, in other words closing the outer container. Such an injection port might be preferred where one wants to minimize exposure to an agrochemical which is provided inside the outer or inner containers, or treated onto the seeds in the inner container.

Devices to manually or automatically release excess air might be provided on the outer container. Many of the materials contemplated for the outer container are air impermeable so any air bubbles left inside when the outer container is sealed could be trapped for the entire soaking procedure. Depending on the shape of the bag and the physical manipulations, this might result in an unequal soaking of the seeds and as such it might be preferred for some bags to allow air to escape from the outer container e.g. by providing a one way valve.

The sequence shown in Figures 6A-6E schematically depicts a process according to the invention. In Figure 6A an inner container 20 is provided in the form of a standard seed bag. A closure 21 is provided, here in the form of a seam formed by string sewn along the upper edge of the bag. Through a breakaway region of the drawing the internal contents of inner container 20 are shown, which include a plurality of seeds 30 and an outer container 10. Outer container 10 is folded or compressed or otherwise arranged to fit inside inner container 20 during transport and storage. As is typical with conventional seed bags, a label 40 is provided which may include information on the variety, weight, and origin of seed 30.

Further information such as instructions for use could be included on label 40, alternatively they could be provided on or in outer container 10 (not shown) or printed on the outer surface of inner container 20 (not shown). For the practice of the present invention, of particular use would be to provide guidance as to how much water to add to the outer container. Such instructions could take into account not only the type and amount of seed in the inner container, but also factors such as expected moisture content at the time of soaking and proposed duration and environmental conditions of the soaking process.

The inner container of Figure 6A is opened by means of a cut below closure 21. Figure 6B shows the remaining portion of inner container 20 inside which seeds remain. Outer container 10 has been removed from inner container as shown in Figure 6B. Once outer container 10 is unfolded or otherwise extended to full size, inner container 10 is placed inside. Figure 6C shows outer container 10 with a dash line representing inner container 20. The open edge of inner container 20 has been folded over to form a new closure 21 which will help retain seeds inside inner container 20. Water 50 is added through the opening 1 1 in outer container 10.

Once the desired amount of water 50 is added outer container is sealed shut. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6D, the loose ends of the bag forming outer container 10 are gathered and clamped with a seal 12. The apparatus is left to soak the seeds for the desired amount of time. Once that time has passed the seal is broken and, as shown in Figure 6E, outer container 10 is removed or allowed to fall back, revealing inner container 20 still with foldover closure 21 , which now contains soaked seeds. Such seeds could be e.g. sown directly in fields, in nurseries or in containers, or otherwise disposed of as desired. The outer container might be reusable or disposable. The inner container might be reusable or disposable. In view of the air and water exchanging properties required for the inner container, it may be made from a material which is readily biodegradable or even soluble. Example 1 : Determination of Optimum Soaking Liquid Volume

An experiment was conducted to provide guidance on the optimal amount of liquid in which to soak seeds. For each group, 10 kg of dry rice seed (variety Feng-Liang-You-Xiang- Yi-Hao, Hefei Fengle Seed Company, China) was hand mixed with 4000 ml of slurry. A first test group included in the slurry 50 g blue pigment (COLANYL Blue A2R 100-CN, Clariant Int'l Ltd, Muttenz, Switzerland) and 100 g conventional seed treatment polymer (SC 13-71 1 , Kannar Inc, Cleveland, OH, USA), balance tap water. A second test group included in the slurry 100 g conventional seed treatment polymer (SC 13-71 1 as above) and 200 g conventional seed treatment fungicide (APRON MAXX, containing mefenoxam and fludioxonil fungicides, Syngenta Crop Protection, Basel, Switzerland), balance tap water. A third test group included in the slurry 200 g conventional seed treatment fungicide (APRON MAXX as above), balance tap water. An untreated control was also provided using dry seed with no treatment.

The seeds were left to dry for two days and were then tested and seen to have a moisture content of between 12% and 15%. Following drying, for each treatment group a 40 g sample of seeds was placed in a water impermeable container (PYREX 200 ml borosilicate beaker, Corning Inc, Corning, NY, USA) containing 50 g tap water at 25°C. The following day 15 g tap water at 25°C was added to each beaker. After the seeds were fully imbibed they were removed from the beaker and weighed, results are shown in Table 1 .

Table 1 : Wet Seed Weight and Water Uptake

The results of Experiment 1 show that a water amount of approximately 46-50% of the initial dry weight of seed was taken up by the seeds, i.e., under the experimental conditions soaking 1 kg rice in 460 to 500 ml water would be optimal water usage for fully imbibing the seeds.

Experiment 1 did not use an equivalent structure to an inner container. In the practice of the present invention the ability or propensity of the inner container material to absorb water will be considered when determining the optimum amount of liquid to use for soaking the seed. Furthermore the initial moisture level of the seed will be relevant: as the initial moisture content increases, the amount of liquid absorbed should decrease. Environmental conditions, in particular temperature and soaking time, will also be considered and as necessary the amount of soaking liquid adjusted. A suitable range for the amount of soaking liquid to provide, taken as a percentage of the initial weight of the seed may lie in the area of 25-65%, more preferably 30-60%, even more preferably 35-55%, for example 450 to 500 ml of water per 1 kg rice seed.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

I . A seed soaking apparatus, comprising:

an air and water permeable inner container;

a plurality of seeds in the inner container;

a flexible, closeable, water impermeable outer container; and

at least one agrochemical provided in or on at least one of the inner container, the seeds, and the outer container;

wherein the outer container is closed when the seed soaking apparatus is in use.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the seeds comprise at least one agrochemical.

3. An apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one agrochemical is provided in the inner and/or outer container.

4. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner container is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of water-soluble films, fabric, perforated or porous composite and non-composite materials, and composite agro waste based polymer.

5. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer container is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, copolymers, laminated composite films, paper-based boards or poly structures, fabrics, composite and non-composite materials, and composite agro waste based polymer.

6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the inner container is physically attached to at least a portion of the outer container.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the inner container is attached to the outer container by sewing, heat sealing, gluing, or a combination thereof.

8. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner container is disposed within the outer container.

9. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer container defines a space when closed; and the inner container is approximately equal in size to said space.

10. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising instructions for use.

I I . An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seeds are selected from plants in the group consisting of wheat, barley, rye, oat, rice, maize, sorghum, sugar beet, red beet, fodder beet, beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, oil seed rape, mustard, poppy, olives, sunflowers, castor oil plants, groundnuts, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, squash, watermelon, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, sisal, spinach, lettuce, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, paprika, endive, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, brussel sprouts, eggplant, pepper, bermuda grass, bluegrass, bentgrass, centipede grass, fescue, ryegrass, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, basil, borage, chives, coriander, lavender, lovage, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, tobacco, and ornamentals.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 1 , wherein the seeds are rice seeds.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the rice seeds are provided with at least one agrochemical.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 13, wherein the agrochemical is selected from the group consisting of thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiodicarb, aldicarb, carbofuran, furadan, fenoxycarb, carbaryl, sevin, ethienocarb, fenobucarb, chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, flubendiamide, spinosad, spinetoram, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, tefluthrin, fipronil, sulfoxaflor, azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, tebuconazole, triticonazole, fludioxonil, thiabendazole, ipconazole, cyprodinil, myclobutanil, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, sedaxane, and penflufen.

15. A method of treating seeds, comprising:

providing a plurality of seeds in an air and water permeable inner container;

placing the inner container inside a flexible, water impermeable outer container;

adding water to the outer container;

closing the outer container; and

allowing the seeds to soak for a period of time,

wherein the seeds comprise at least one agrochemical and/or at least one agrochemical is provided to the inner container and/or the outer container.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the inner container is closed after the seeds are provided therein.

17. A method according to either claim 15 or claim 16, further comprising physically manipulating the closed outer container while the seeds are soaking.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the sealed outer container is kneaded, flipped, or rolled.