| abstract |
Disclosed are plant seed coating compositions comprising water insoluble but water sensitive polyelectrolyte complexes. The polyelectrolyte complexes, which are formed by combining an acidic polymer with a basic polymer, provide protection for the seeds and may be used as a carrier for materials such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, etc. An important feature is the fact that the polyelectrolyte complex does not dissolve when contacted with water. Instead, it swells and falls away, thereby disrupting the coating, and the swelling and falling away continue until the coating is removed. An advantage of such a coating is that there is no dissolved material available to fill the pores of the seeds to thereby retard germination. The coating quickly disintegrates upon contact with water for releasing any carried substances and exposes the seeds to their natural environment. |