BIOCOMPATIBLE CARRIER FORMULATION FOR APPLICATIONS IN PLANT PROTECTION AND PLANT GROWTH STIMULATION OR IN COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE ON THE BASIS OF MODIFIED STARCH

Abstract

A composition comprising hydroxyalkyl starch having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% and the weight average molar mass in the range of about 10.sup.5 - 10.sup.8 g/mol, a salt which is selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt, and water. The preferably viscous formulation is especially suitable in the field of agriculture, horticulture and forestry to increase plant production efficiency by forming a film which reduces the wash-off of plant protection products, stimulants and fertilizers, or reduces erosion by soil bonding and dust formation in seed coating and animal husbandry. Furthermore, the formulation is applicable as replacer of synthetic polymers in cosmetics and personal care products.

Claims

1. A composition comprising a hydroxyalkyl starch or a hydroxyalkyl starch fraction, having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% and a weight average molar mass in the range of about 10.sup.5 g/mol to about 10.sup.8 g/mol, a salt which is selected from an alkaline metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt, and water.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the content of the hydroxyalkyl starch or the hydroxyalkyl starch fraction is about 5 wt% to about 25 wt%.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the content of the salt is 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt%.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the hydroxyalkyl starch or the hydroxyalkyl starch fraction has a degree of molar substitution (MS) from about 0.05 to about 0.8.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the hydroxyalkyl starch or the hydroxyalkyl starch fraction has a predominantly non-granular, amorphous structure.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the hydroxyalkyl starch or the hydroxyalkyl starch fraction is predominantly dissolved in the water.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the salt has a chalcogen or pnictogen comprising anion.

8. The composition claim 7, wherein the anion is selected from phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, sulfate, hydrogen sulfate or acetate.

9. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an ingredient selected from terpenes, a humic substance, an agrochemical, a biostimulator, a plant strengthening agent, or a preserving substance.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the hydroxyalkyl starch or the hydroxyalkyl starch fraction has a degree of substitution (DS) from about 0.025 to about 0.6.

11. A film comprising a hydroxyalkyl starch or a hydroxyalkyl starch fraction having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% and a weight average molar mass in the range of about 10.sup.5 g/mol to about 10.sup.8 g/mol, and a salt which is selected from an alkaline metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt, or the film obtained or obtainable by at least partially drying a composition of claim 1.

12. A method for producing a film of claim 11, the method comprising: applying a composition comprising a hydroxyalkyl starch or a hydroxyalkyl starch fraction, having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% and a weight average molar mass in the range of about 10.sup.5 g/mol to about 10.sup.8 g/mol, a salt which is selected from an alkaline metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt, and water on a substrate; and at least partially drying the composition to form the film.

13. A seed, a soil, a plant, or a part of a plant, or an animal feedstuff, comprising a coating, the coating comprising a hydroxyalkyl starch or a hydroxyalkyl starch fraction having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% and a weight average molar mass in the range of about 10.sup.5 g/mol to about 10.sup.8 g/mol and a salt which is selected from an alkaline metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt, or the coating obtained or obtainable from a composition of comprising a hydroxyalkyl starch or a hydroxyalkyl starch fraction, having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% and a weight average molar mass in the range of about 10.sup.5 g/mol to about 10.sup.8 g/mol, a salt which is selected from an alkaline metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt, and water, wherein the composition may be at least partially dried, or the coating being a film of claim 11.

14. The seed, soil, plant, or part of a plant according to claim 13, wherein the coating further comprises an ingredient selected from an agrochemical, a biostimulator, or a plant strengthening agent, wherein said ingredient is comprised in the coating or adhered to the coating.

15. A method for coating a seed, soil, plant, or part of a plant, or animal feedstuff, the method comprising: applying a composition of claim 1, on a seed, soil, plant, or part of a plant, or animal feedstuff; and at least partially drying the composition to form a coating on the seed, soil, plant, or part of a plant, or animal feedstuff.

16. A growth medium comprising a coating, the coating comprising the composition of claim 1.

17. A method for using the composition of claim 1 as a carrier matrix for an ingredient selected from an agrochemical, a biostimulator or a plant strengthening agent, a biostimulant, a dust binding agent, a dust preventing agent, a yield-increasing agent, or an agent for enhancing water use efficacy.

18. (canceled)

19. The composition of claim 19, wherein the composition is used as thickening agent, film forming agent, moisturizing agent, barrier forming agent, wetting agent, sticking agent, gelling agent, protective barrier and/or rheological additive.

20. A cosmetic or a personal care composition comprising the composition of claim 1.

21. An emulsifier or coemulsifier comprising the composition of claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0210] FIG. 1: Molar mass determination of the starch containing the composition of the invention by SEC-MALLS.

[0211] FIG. 2: Determination of the degree of substitution (DS) and molar substitution (MS) by high resolution .sup.13C-NMR in D.sub.2O. ;

[0212] FIGS. 3a,b: Flow curves of two independent starch-based compositions (formulations, invention), each after 1 day and 6 months;

[0213] FIG. 4: Frequency sweeps of the starch formulation;

[0214] FIG. 5: Determination of the degree of substitution (DS) by high resolution .sup.13C-NMR in D.sub.2O.

[0215] FIG. 6: shows a bar graph showing mancozeb residues remaining on foliage after spray application of formulations comprising mancozeb in combination with either the invented starch formulation as adjuvant formulation or as fungicide alone, 6 days after application and 27 mm of rainfall in 2009 (A) and 4 days after application and 24 mm of rainfall in 2010 (B).

[0216] FIG. 7: shows a bar graph from fluazinam residues remaining on foliage after spray application of formulations comprising fluazinam in combination with either the composition of the invention as adjuvant formulation or as fungicide alone, 6 days after application and 27 mm of rainfall in 2009 (A) and 4 days after application and 24 mm of rainfall in 2010 (B);

[0217] FIG. 8: shows a bar graph referring to dimethomorph residues remaining on foliage after spray application of formulations comprising dimethomorph in combination with either the invented starch formulation adjuvant formulation or as fungicide alone, 6 days after application and 27 mm of rainfall in 2009 (A) and 4 days after application and 24 mm of rainfall in 2010 (B).

[0218] FIG. 9: Influence of a starch-based formulation on the reduction of stress, caused by fungicide application under hot and dry weather conditions in 2018.

EXAMPLES

Methods

[0219] The weight average molar mass of the starch polymer was determined by SEC-MALLS as follows: The HPSEC system consisted of a 600MS pump module, a 717 autoinjector, column compartment, a Rl-detector 410, and a MALLS detector Dawn-F-DSP laser photometer (Wyatt Technology, Santa Barbara). The three columns used were suprema of company PSS: 10.sup.8 - 10.sup.6 g/mol; 2.Math.10.sup.6 - 5.Math.10.sup.4 g/mol; 10.sup.3 - 10.sup.5 g/mol. They had dimensions of 300 .Math. 7.8 mm. Elution of the samples was carried out with H.sub.2O containing 0.05 m NaNO.sub.3 at a flow rate of 0.735 mL.Math.min.sup.-1 and a temperature of 40° C. The concentrations ranged from 1 to 5 mg.Math.mL.sup.-1 depending on the expected molar mass. The MALLS detector was serially connected with the refractive index detector (DRI).

[0220] The degree of substitution (DS) and the molar degree of substitution (MS) was determined by .sup.13 C-NMR spectroscopy of the hydroxypropyl starch after total hydrolysis. The DS value was determined from the mean value of the signals of C2-, C3- and C6-position in relation to the signal in C1-position as described by J. Kunze, A. Ebert, H.-P. Fink, Cellul. Chem. Technol. 2000, 34, 21-34.

[0221] The degree of substitution (DS) and the molar degree of substitution (MS) was determined by .sup.13 C-NMR spectroscopy of the hydroxypropyl starch after total hydrolysis. The DS value was determined by integration of the methyl group signals of hydroxypropyl groups directly attached to the C2-, C3- and C6-position and for the MS determination the additional hydroxypropyl groups attached to the hydroxy group in the chain of the hydroxypropyl substituent in relation to the signals for the C1-position as described by J. Kunze, A. Ebert, H.-P. Fink, Cellul. Chem. Technol. 2000, 34, 21-34.

[0222] The amylose content was determined amperometric, refering to the method described by Richter, Augustat and Schierbaum (Ausgewahlte Methoden der Starkechemie. Wiss. Verlagsgesellschaft mbH. Stuttgart (1968). 111).

[0223] The morphological analysis (e.g. amorphous, crystalline, particular) was carried out by light microscopy with polarized light.

[0224] All rheological measurements where applied at constant 25° C. on a Physica Rheolab MC 100.

Working Examples

Example 1: Manufacturing Procedure for A Liquid Formulation for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry, and Animal Husbandary

[0225] High amylose starch containing 68% amylose was gelatinised under alkaline conditions (pH = 12-14) without any swelling inhibitor and permanent stirring in the temperature range between 20-60° C. for 2-8 hours until the starch granules were completely disrupted and dispersed (transparent dispersion). Afterwards, the starch paste was hydroxypropylated according the MS in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 with propylene oxide. The resulting degree of substitution of the derivative was DS = 0.17 and the molar degree of substitution was MS = 0.35. For the solution, the pH was adjusted to 6.2 and additional humic acid and geraniol were added. The final concentrations of the components in the aqueous formulation were: 10 wt% starch, 8 wt% potassium phosphate, 0.01 wt% humic acid and 0.1 wt% of geraniol.

Example 2: Manufacturing Procedure for a Liquid Formulation in Cosmetics and Personal Care

[0226] Manufacturing procedure for a liquid formulation in cosmetic and personal care products: High amylose starch containing 68% amylose was gelatinised under alkaline conditions (pH = 12-14) without any swelling inhibitor and permanent stirring in the temperature range between 20-60° C. for 2-8 hours until the starch granules were completely disrupted and dispersed (transparent dispersion). Afterwards, the starch paste was hydroxypropylated according the MS in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 with propylene oxide. For the aqueous solution, the pH was adjusted to 6.2 and if necessary, desalinated until the conductivity reached a value ≤ 1500 .Math.S/cm. The final concentrations of the components in the aqueous formulation were: 10 wt% starch.

Example 3: Analytical Data of the Starch Based Formulation

[0227] Determination of Molecular Mass (FIG. 01)

[0228] Determination of DS and MS by .sup.13 C-NMR in D.sub.2O (FIG. 02)

[0229] To obtain higher resolution the starch containing formulation (invention) was first hydrolyzed with trifluoracetic acid.

[0230] Flow Curves of the Invention (FIG. 03)

[0231] In consequence, the starch composition shows long-term stable viscosity.

[0232] Frequency Sweep of the Invention (FIG. 04)

[0233] Loss and storage modulus are strongly dependent on the frequency at deformation of the viscoelastic range and G″ > G′ in the frequency range from 0.1 - 10 Hz, show a liquid state.

TABLE-US-00002 Results of amperometric amylose determination. Sample JBV [%] Amylose [%] Average/RSD [%] [%] Sample 1 13.95 68.06 67.86 67.9 13.87 67.66 0.2 0.2 13.91 67.86 13.94 68.00 68.05 13.97 68.14 0.1 13.94 68.00 13.91 67.84 67.87 13.94 68.01 0.1 13.89 67.77

Example 4: Determination of the Substituent Distribution From the Starch Based Formulation

[0234] The degree of substitution (DS) of a modified hydroxypropyl starch was determined by .sup.13C-NMR spectroscopy after total hydrolysis of the starch ether as described before. The found DS value was 0.30 (FIG. 05).

[0235] The proportion of unsubstituted glucose units was determined from the same completely hydrolysed sample by HPAE-PAD using calibration with glucose standards. The result was 0.75.

[0236] According to Spurlin (H.M. Spurlin Journal of the American Chemical Society 1939, 61, 2222-2227), assuming the same reaction rates for the three hydroxyl groups, the proportion of unsubstituted glucose units is 0.73 at a DS of 0.30. The small difference between the experimentally determined value and the theoretically calculated value indicates that the product is substituted largely homogeneous.

Example 5: Active Ingredient Remaining on Foliage After Rainfall

[0237] Improved rain fastness of Mancozeb (FIG. 06), fluazinam (FIG. 07) and dimethomorph (FIG. 08) on leaves by the invention.

Example 6: Active Herbicide Ingredient Reduction

[0238] Comparison of the efficacy of standard herbicide application without any adjuvant and with a fifty percent (50%) reduced herbicide application in combination with the starch-based formulation (invention) which was tested in GEP-trials (Good Experimental Practices) in three 3 consecutive years.

TABLE-US-00003 The following herbicide formulations were used: Sample Nr. name type.sup.a rate unit 1 Bandur SC 4.0 l/ha Sencor WG WG 0.5 kg/ha 2 Bandur SC 2.0 l/ha Sencor WG WG 0.25 kg/ha Starch based formulation SC 6.0 l/ha .sup.aSC = suspension concentrate, WG = water dispersible granules

TABLE-US-00004 Herbicide efficacy of an inventive application consisting of a mixture of herbicides and a starch-based formulation in standard and reduced application rate. In 2014, 24 days after application. weed Herbicides: 100 % Herbicides 50% + formulation Herbicide efficacy [%] Elymus repens [AGRRE] 98 99 Viola arvensis [VIOAR] 100 100 Polygonum aviculare [POLAV] 97 100 Geranium dissectum [GERDI] 99 100 Brassica napus [BRSNN] 100 100 Matricaria chamomilla [MATCH] 100 100 Fallopia convolvulus [POLCO] 99 100

TABLE-US-00005 Herbicide efficacy of an inventive application consisting of a mixture of herbicides and a starch-based formulation in standard and reduced application rate. In 2014, 54 days after application. weed Herbicides: 100 % Herbicides 50% + formulation Herbicide efficacy [%] Elymus repens [AGRRE] 91 95 Viola arvensis [VIOAR] 100 100 Polygonum aviculare [POLAV] 96 100 Geranium dissectum [GERDI] 100 100 Brassica napus [BRSNN] 100 100 Matricaria chamomilla [MATCH] 100 100 Fallopia convolvulus [POLCO] 97 100

TABLE-US-00006 Herbicide efficacy of an inventive application consisting of a mixture of herbicides and a starch-based formulation (invention) in standard and reduced application rate. In 2014, 67 days after application. weed Herbicides: 100 % Herbicides 50% + formulation Herbicide efficacy [%] Elymus repens [AGRRE] 86 95 Viola arvensis [VIOAR] 100 100 Polygonum aviculare [POLAV] 94 100 Geranium dissectum [GERDI] 100 100 Brassica napus [BRSNN] 100 100 Matricaria chamomilla [MATCH] 100 100 Fallopia convolvulus [POLCO] 96 100

TABLE-US-00007 Herbicide efficacy of an inventive application consisting of a mixture of herbicides and a starch-based formulation (invention) in standard and reduced application rate. In 2015, 24 days after application. weed Herbicides: 100 % Herbicides 50% + formulation Herbicide efficacy [%] Elymus repens [AGRRE] 69 75 Sonchus arvensis [SONAR] 49 65 Convolvulus arvensis [CONAR] 99 100 Equisetum arvense [EQUAR] 59 49 Vicia cracca [VICCR] 99 100 Viola arvensis [VIOAR] 100 100 Chenopodium album [CHEAL] 100 100 Matricaria chamomilla [MATCH] 100 100 Fallopia convolvulus [POLCO] 98 100

TABLE-US-00008 Herbicide efficacy of an inventive application consisting of a mixture of herbicides and a starch-based formulation (invention) in standard and reduced application rate. In 2016, 18 days after application. weed Herbicides: 100 % Herbicides 50% + formulation Herbicide efficacy [%] Poa annua [POAAN] 89 93 Geranium dissectum [GERDI] 100 100 Cirsium arvense [CIRAR] 100 100 Vicia cracca [VICCR] 100 100 Viola arvensis [VIOAR] 100 100 Fallopia convolvulus [POLCO] 96 100

Example 7: Stress Reduction

[0239] The following fungicide treatments were evaluated:

TABLE-US-00009 Comparison of the efficacy of standard fungicide application, with a fifty percent (50%) reduced fungicide application, both in combination with and without a starch-based formulation (invention) was tested in a GEP-trial. Infestation of potatoes with Phytophthorainfestans (PHYTIN) was low (under 1%) in all treatments, due to very dry and hot weather conditions. The influence of the addition of the starch-based formulation (invention) on stress caused by fungicide treatments was evaluated. A positive effect on potato yield is shown, due to fungicide-stress reduction Sample Nr. name Type Rate unit 1 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha Acrobat Plus WG WG 2.0 kg/ha Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha Ranman Top SC 0.5 l/ha 2 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha Acrobat Plus WG WG 2.0 kg/ha Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha Ranman Top SC 0.5 l/ha Starch based formulation SC 2.0 l/ha 3 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha Acrobat Plus WG WG 2.0 kg/ha Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha Ranman Top SC 0.5 l/ha 4 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha Acrobat Plus WG WG 2.0 kg/ha Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha Ranman Top SC 0.5 l/ha Starch based formulation SC 2.0 l/ha

[0240] Influence of a starch-based formulation on the reduction of stress (FIG. 09)

Example 8: Preparation Of-Oil-In-Water Emulsion

[0241] The aqueous formulation represents the continuous phase, the dispersed phase is oil from different sources. The unexpected effect of dispersibility of several parts of oil in the aqueous formulation of the invention at different concentration was obtained in preliminary investigations. None phase separation could be noticed, even though the hydroxyalkyl starch did not contain hydrophobic or lipophilic groups in its macromolecular structure and surfactants were not used in the preparation of the oil-water emulsion. Emulsions remained stable for many hours and days.

Example of Procedure

[0242] Amounts of 237.5 g, 225 g or 212.5 g of the liquid formulation of the invention according to Example 2 were placed in a beaker and covered with 12.5 g, 25 g and 37.5 g rapeseed oil (the rapeseed oil was previously colored red with 0.005% Sudan III) and homogenized with a hand blender (12.500 rpm) for 2 min. The emulsions with 5, 10 and 15% rapeseed oil respectively, were left to stand at room temperature for 24 h. It was shown that the emulsions remained stable, with little or no phase separation, for at least 24 h.

Example 9: Increasing Crop Yield by Adding Amylofol® to Pesticide Treatment

[0243] In this and the following examples, the applicant’s trade mark name amylofol® is used to designate the composition of the invention.

[0244] The slow-release mechanism of amylofol®, composition of the working example 1, makes it possible to reduce abiotic stress on crop, resulting in higher yields. Over several years we have done GEP and On Farm Research [OFR]-trials in different crops to proof this.

[0245] A) Increasing yield in PROCESSING POTATOES by adding amylofol® to fungicide application

TABLE-US-00010 Treatment Application Interval yield Diff. Tubers >55 mm Diff. days t/ha % t/ha % 0 Untreated control – 55.0 39.1 1 Farm specific 8 61.8 +12.4 49.1 +25.6 2 Farm specific + amylodol® 8 71.5 +30.0 57.6 +47.3 potato variety: Innovator

Following fungicide formulations were used together with the composition of the invention:

TABLE-US-00011 Treatment Nr. Fungicides Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha 1 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 1 Revus Top SC 0.6 l/ha 1 Valis M WG 2.5 kg/ha 4 Proxanil SC 2.0 l/ha 4 Revus SC 0.6 l/ha 1 Ortiva SC 0.5 l/ha 1 2 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha 1 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 1 Revus Top SC 0.6 l/ha 1 Valis M WG 2.5 kg/ha 4 Proxanil SC 2.0 l/ha 4 Revus SC 0.6 l/ha 1 Ortiva SC 0.5 l/ha 1 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 10

TABLE-US-00012 Treatment Application Interval yield Diff. Tubers >55 mm Diff. days t/ha % t/ha % 0 Untreated control – 32.4 2.1 1 Farm specific 8 53.3 +64.5 10.0 +376,2 2 Farm specific + amylofol® 8 55.8 +72.2 20.8 +890,5 potato variety: Orwell

Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00013 Treatment Nr. Fungicides Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha 1 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 3 Revus Top SC 0.6 l/ha 1 Valis M WG 2.5 kg/ha 3 2 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha 1 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 3 Revus Top SC 0.6 l/ha 1 Valis M WG 2.5 kg/ha 3 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 8

TABLE-US-00014 TRIAL 3: GEP Trial - Field Research Support, Germany 2017 Treatment Application Interval yield Diff. Tubers >55 mm Diff. days t/ha % t/ha % 0 Untreated control - 20.2 - 11.7 - 1 Farm specific 8 40.0 +98.0 26.2 +123.9 2 Farm specific + amylofol.sup.® 8 42.5 +110.4 27.1 + 131.6 potato variety: Innovator

TABLE-US-00015 Following fungicide formulations were used Treatment Nr. Fungicides Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha 1 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 2 Dithane NeoTec WG 1.8 kg/ha 1 Acrobat Plus WG WG 2.0 kg/ha 2 Ranman Top SC 0.5 l/ha 2 Revus Top SC 0.6 l/ha 1 Infinito SC 1.6 l/ha 1 2 Ridomil Gold MZ WG 2.0 kg/ha 1 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 2 Dithane NeoTec WG 1.8 kg/ha 1 Acrobat Plus WG WG 2.0 kg/ha 2 Ranman Top SC 0.5 l/ha 2 Revus Top SC 0.6 l/ha 1 Infinito SC 1.6 l/ha 1 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 9

Resume Trial 1 - 3

[0246] In a three-year trial, the addition of amylofol® to the farm specific fungicide application generated an average additional yield of 8.9% in processing potatoes compared to the farm-specific application. The size class >55 mm, which is important for processing potatoes, could be increased by an average of 42.9 % by adding amylofol® to the farm specific fungicide application.

[0247] B) Increasing yield in STARCH POTATOES by adding amylofol® to fungicide application

TABLE-US-00016 Treatment Application Interval yield Diff. Starch content Diff. days t/ha % % % 0 Untreated control - 20.0 - 19.7 - 1 Farm specific 7 44.2 +120.9 21.3 +8.12 2 Farm specific + amylofol.sup.® 7 46.4 +131.8 22.0 +11.7 potato variety: Starga

[0248] Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00017 Treatment Nr. Fungicides Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Valbon WG 1.5 kg/ha 2 Infinito SC 1.5 l/ha 1 Curzate M WG 2.0 kg/ha 1 Dithane NeoTec WG 1.8 kg/ha 1 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 5 Revus SC 0.6 l/ha 1 2 Valbon WG 1.5 kg/ha 2 Infinito SC 1.5 l/ha 1 Curzate M WG 2.0 kg/ha 1 Dithane NeoTec WG 1.8 kg/ha 1 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 5 Revus SC 0.6 l/ha 1 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 11

TABLE-US-00018 Treatment Application Interval yield Diff. Starch content Diff. days t/ha % % % 0 Untreated control - 31.7 - 17.6 - 1 Farm specific 7 63.7 +100.1 20.4 +15.9 2 Farm specific + amylofol® 7 65.1 +105.4 20.9 +18.8 potato variety: Starga

Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00019 Treatment Nr. Fungicides Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Infinito SC 1.5 l/ha 1 Carial Felx WG 0.6 l/ha 1 Valbon WG 1.6 kg/ha 2 Ranman Top SC 0.5 l/ha 3 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 1 Revus Top SC 0.6 l/ha 2 2 Infinito SC 1.5 l/ha 1 Carial Felx WG 0.6 l/ha 1 Valbon WG 1.6 kg/ha 2 Ranman Top SC 0.5 l/ha 3 Shirlan SC 0.4 l/ha 1 Revus Top SC 0.6 l/ha 2 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 9

Resume Trial 4 - 5

[0249] In two consecutive years, the addition of amylofol® to the farm specific fungicide treatment resulted in a yield increase of 3.6% on average. Starch content was increased by an average of 3% with the addition of amylofol®.

[0250] C) Increasing yield in WHEAT by adding amylofol® to fungicide application

TABLE-US-00020 Treatment Marketable yield Increase TKG Increase dt/ha % g % 0 Untreated Control 80.5 - 42.4 1 Farm specific 82.8 +2.9 43.4 +2.4 2 Farm specific + amylofol® 85.5 +6.2 43.3 +2.1

[0251] Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00021 Treatment Nr. Fungicide Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Input Triple SC 1.25 l/ha 1 Librax SC 2.0 l/ha 1 2 Input Triple SC 1.25 l/ha 1 Librax SC 2.0 l/ha 1 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 2

Resume

[0252] Wheat yield was increased by 3.3% by adding amylofol® to the fungicide treatment, compared with the fungicide treatment without amylofol®.

[0253] D) Increasing yield in SUGAR BEETS by adding amylofol® to fungicide application

TABLE-US-00022 Treatment yield Diff. Sugar content Diff. t/ha % % % 0 Untreated Control 82.0 17.12 1 Standard 85.5 +4.3 17.16 +0.2 2 Standard + amylofol® 87.4 +6.6 17.21 +0.5

Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00023 Treatment Nr. Fungicide Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Rubric SC 1.0 l/ha 1 Spyrale EC 1.0 l/ha 1 2 Rubric SC 1.0 l/ha 1 Spyrale EC 1.0 l/ha 1 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 2

Resume

[0254] Sugar beet yield increased by 2.2% and sugar content by 0.3% by adding amylofol® to the fungicide treatment, compared with the fungicide treatment without amylofol®.

[0255] E) Increasing yield in SOYBEANS by adding amylofol® to fungicide application

TABLE-US-00024 Treatment Illinois South Dakota yield t/ha Diff % yield dt/ha Diff % 1 CST 42.6 - 44.2 - 2 CST + amylofol® 44.9 + 5.4 45.4 + 2.7 * CST: Commercial seed treatment

[0256] Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00025 Treatment Nr. Seed treatment Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Acceleron+llevo SC 0.3 l/100 kg 1 2 Acceleron+llevo SC 0.3 l/100 kg 1 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/100 kg 1

Resume

[0257] In a first soybean trial in the USA in 2020, just adding amylofol® to the commercial seed treatment improved germination, emergence, and plant vigour, resulting in increased yield on two different trial locations.

Example 10: Improvement of Water Use Efficacy Using Amylofol® in Agricultural Systems

[0258] Since 2018 different trails including irrigation were done, mainly in potatoes. In all trials including amylofol as an adjuvant in the pesticide treatment resulted in an increased water use efficiency [WUE] expressed as Irrigation water productivity [WPirrig]

[0259] A) Water use efficiency in potato trials WITH IRRIGATION

TABLE-US-00026 Treatment Marketable yield Irrigation WUE WUE-increase (kg/ha) (mm) (kg/ha/mm) % 1 Farm specific 42950 150 286.3 - 2 Farm specific + amylofol® 48735 150 324.9 +13

[0260] Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00027 Treatment Nr. Fungicide type rate unit Nr. of Application 1 Provilux WG 2.5 kg/ha 3 Valbon WG 2.0 kg/ha 3 Valbon Start WG 1.6 kg/ha 3 Ranman SC 0.5 l/ha 4 2 Provilux WG 2.5 kg/ha 3 Valbon WG 2.0 kg/ha 3 Valbon Start WG 1.6 kg/ha 3 Ranman SC 0.5 l/ha 4 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 10

Resume

[0261] The addition of amylofol® resulted in a 13% higher WUE, expressed as yield/ha/mm, compared to the standard treatment.

TABLE-US-00028 Treatment Marketable yield Irrigation WUE WUE-increase (kg/ha) (mm) (kg/ha/mm) % 1 Foliar Program 51846 622.3 83.3 - 2 Foliar Program + amylofol® 57495 622.3 92.4 +9 3 Quadris IF 54231 622.3 87.1 - 4 Quadris IF + amylofol® 56240 622.3 90.4 +4 IF = in furrow

[0262] Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00029 Treatment Nr. fungicides type rate unit Nr. of Application 1 Quadris IF SC 0.7 l/ha 1 Luna Tranquility SC 0.9 l/ha 2 Bravo WS SC 1.5 l/ha 4 2 Quadris IF SC 0.7 l/ha 1 Luna Tranquility SC 0.9 l/ha 2 Bravo WS SC 1.5 l/ha 4 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 6 3 Quadris IF SC 0.7 l/ha 1 4 Quadris IF SC 0.7 l/ha 1 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 1

Resume

[0263] In 2019, the addition of amylofol® to the Foliar Program resulted in a 9% higher WUE compared to the Foliar Program without amylofol®. In furrow application of Quadris was done only once. Addition of amylofol® resulted in a 4% higher WUE in irrigated potatoes.

TABLE-US-00030 Treatment Marketable yield Irrigation WUE WUE-increase (kg/ha) (mm) (kg/ha/mm) % 1 Foliar Program 70551 530.6 133.0 - 2 Foliar Program + amylofol® 73062 530.6 137.7 +4

Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00031 Treatment Nr. Fungicides Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Quadris SC 0.7 l/ha 1 Luna Tranquility SC 0.9 l/ha 2 Bravo WS SC 1.5 l/ha 4 2 Quadris SC 0.7 l/ha 1 Luna Tranquility SC 0.9 l/ha 2 Bravo WS SC 1.5 l/ha 4 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 4

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[0264] In 2020 the addition of amylofol® to the Foliar Program resulted in a 4% higher WUE compared to the Foliar Program without amylofol®. Potato trials under irrigation in the US have shown in two years in a row, that the water use efficacy was increased by adding amylofol® to the pesticide treatment. Overall irrigation trials, WUE was in average 7.5% higher when amylofol® was added to the pesticide treatment. These resulted in all treatments in higher marketable yields.

[0265] B) Water use efficiency in potato trials WITHOUT IRRIGATION

TABLE-US-00032 TRIAL 1: On-Farm Research Trial - The Netherlands 2018 Treatment Marketable yield Precipitation WUE WUE-increase (kg/ha) (mm) (kg/ha/mm) % 1 Farm specific 36110 297 121.6 2 Farm specific + amylofol® 43411 297 146.2 20.2

Following fungicide formulations were used:

TABLE-US-00033 Treatment Nr. Fungicide Type Rate Unit Nr. of Application 1 Valbon WG 1.6 kg/ha 4 Refus SC 1.2 l/ha 2 Ranman SC 0.6 l/ha 2 2 Valbon WG 1.6 kg/ha 4 Refus SC 1.2 l/ha 2 Ranman SC 0.6 l/ha 2 amylofol® SC 2.0 l/ha 8

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[0266] Under non-irrigated conditions WUE, expressed as yield/ha/mm increased by 20% adding amylofol® to the farm specific fungicide treatment. Increasing WUE resulted in higher yields.