Flowable concentrates for seed treatment (FS)
FS formulations are a modification of suspension concentrates (SC) with supplemental additives for adhesion to the seed surface and colourants as safety markers to indicate that a seed has been treated with a product.
FS formulations are now the most popular type of seed treatment because they are concentrated formulations and are safer to apply as they are water based.
Benefits
- Aqueous based and dispersible in water which means good safety and user convenience
- Low potential for germination issues
- Have good retention on the seed
- No dust problems as it is a liquid formulation
- Easy to clean up seed treatment machinery post-treatment
Limitations
- Storage stability may be affected by temperature extremes
- High loading levels may cause stickiness and poor flow properties of the seed
Seed treatment formulations usually contain multiple active ingredients and/or high loading levels. Additionally, the active ingredient has to be accurately and evenly spread over the seed surface and must remain there throughout storage, drilling and while the seed starts to germinate. To successfully develop these types of formulations, superior formulation additives are essential. The high performance requirement and complexity of seed treatments means formulating is the focal challenge. We simplify formulation development with our Seed Vision™ range which brings seed treatment innovation into focus.
Products recommended for FS
The use of polymeric dispersants are highly recommended due to their higher molecular weight, large repulsive barrier and many anchoring groups per molecule. This enables highly loaded, stable seed treatments to be formulated.
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Atlox Metasperse™ 500L
A modified styrene acrylic polymeric aqueous dispersant in liquid form which exhibits excellent hard water tolerance.
Atlox™ 4913
A versatile nonionic polymeric aqueous dispersant. Ideally partnered with Atlas G-5002L as a wetting agent. Suitable for a large range of organic and inorganic active ingredients in water. Ability to...
It is important to include a wetting agent as during the milling process, fresh surfaces are generated which are generally of non-polar nature and will flocculate together rapidly. This could lead to increased viscosity and even mill blockage. Including a wetting agent overcomes this as it replaces air and prevents agglomeration, allowing dispersants to perform. Wetting agents can also provide some dispersion.
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Atlas™ G-5002L
A high HLB polymeric emulsifier or wetting agent in liquid form providing long term stability. It is commonly used in combination with Atlox™ 4916 for emulsions or Atlox Metasperse 500L for...
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Atlas™ G-5004 LD
A demineralised version of Atlas™ G-5002L. It is used as a high HLB emulsifier for active ingredients that are sensitive to mineral presence.
Atlox™ 4894
Recommended as a wetting agent in combination with Atlox 4913 in aqueous based suspensions when Atlas G-5002L is not dymanic enough to provide adequate wetting during milling process.
If an FS is not properly structured, the formulation can breakdown resulting in solid particles settling to the bottom of the formulation. This leads to reduced shelf-life stability and poor performance in the field. The inclusion of a rheology modifier helps overcome this issue by increasing the viscosity of the formulation, providing improved stability. Please note that Atlox Rheostrux™ is not EPA cleared.
Atlox Rheostrux™ 300A
Rheology modifier designed for aqueous formulations. Excellent performance seen in acidic conditions necessary for certain active ingredients. Supplied in liquid form for easy addition via stirring...
