Abstract:
The present invention relates to a coating formulation which is developed for sterilization of annual and perennial plant seeds and agricultural implements. With the present invention; an antifungal, anticandidal, antibacterial and antiviral coating formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose is obtained. Furthermore, thanks to the present invention, contaminations due to the areas of use of annual and perennial plant seeds and the silo, storehouse and warehouse surfaces, where the seeds are stored before seeding, can be prevented. The present invention can be used for sterilization of agricultural implements and equipment.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is the national phase entry of International Application No. PCT/TR2016/050035, filed on Feb. 10, 2016, which is based upon and claims priority to Turkish Patent Application No. 2015/01987, filed on Feb. 19, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a coating formulation which is developed for sterilization of annual and perennial plant seeds and agricultural implements. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The seed is the most important reproduction and propagation element used in plant production. It is reported that an estimate of 127,400,000 tons of seeds are used in the world in one year. Economic value of this amount is about 40-50 billion dollars. According to some estimates, commercial seed production is approximately 30 million dollars. Seed-borne pathogens are effective in different ways in plant production and may cause serious losses. It is known that seed-borne pathogens cause very important productivity and quality losses particularly in plant production. The pathogens causing diseases in plant production which are carried by seeds are called “Seed-borne pathogens”. All kinds of sterilization that will be performed for enhancing germination quality of the seeds used in agricultural areas and to reduce or completely eliminate the product losses occurring due to seed pathogens have a great importance. 
         [0004]    Seed-borne fungal and bacterial diseases can cause serious problems for products that are obtained by both organic and conventional agricultural methods. Therefore, seed treatment (applying pesticide to the seeds) is performed in order to eliminate the potential harms of seed or soil-borne plant disease factors in agricultural production. 
         [0005]    For this purpose, use of fungicides used in conventional agricultural applications for control of seed-borne fungal diseases is possible. Furthermore, it is stated in the study conducted by Kasselaki et al. in 2007 that several alternative improvement techniques were used in organic agriculture. However, the fact that the methods used today are partially effective on control of seed-borne bacterial pathogens is one of the most important problems we encounter in organic and conventional agriculture. Therefore developing new improvement methods for elimination of seed-borne pathogens is very important. 
         [0006]    One of the periods that seed-borne pathogens cause serious problems is the seedling period. Contamination of the seeds with the pathogen microorganisms facilitates survival rate of the microorganisms and their propagation to new and large areas. In greenhouse conditions, serious economic loss risk arising from diseases of sensitive plants is very high because factors like high population, high relative humidity, high temperature and sprinkler irrigation play a supportive role in propagation of the plant diseases. Under these conditions, the most effective method of disease control is discarding. In this sense, pathogen scanning tests are carried out in seed lots and after eliminating the contaminated ones, the healthy seeds are used as seeding materials. Contamination and infestation are terms referring to a passive relationship between the pathogens and the seeds. As contamination of the pathogens to the seeds can be with the agronomic practices during production in the field, it can also occur during harvesting, blending, packaging, transporting or storage. 
         [0007]    Contamination of the pathogens to the seeds is observed as adsorption bacterial cell, fungal spores (Clamidospores, Oospores, Teliospores, Uredospores) or virions to the seed during or after harvesting. The bacterial pathogens that can be carried in the seeds of some plants having economic importance and the induced diseases are given in Prior art Table 1. Fungal diseases and the fungi causing these diseases are given in Prior art Table 2. 
         [0008]    Seed-borne bacterial pathogens cause symptoms such as decrease in product yield (15-30%); decrease or loss of germination ability of the seed; incidence of disease in the plant; color, form or biochemical changes and toxin formation in the seed, obstruction of seed formation or maturation; decay of the seeds; and wet rotting in the seeds. 
         [0009]    There are approximately 11000 disease factors that produce bacteria, fungus and virus-induced infections in plants. About 13% loss of product yield around the world is caused by plant diseases. A large part of this loss is caused by virus-induced pathogens. The economic losses caused by pathogens in agricultural products vary from year to year, season to season, region to region, product to product. However according to the estimations, approximately 60 billion dollars&#39; worth of product loss occurs every year to due to plant virus diseases. Prior art Table 3 gives the annual losses caused by some viruses in various plants. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 PRIOR ART TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 The bacterial pathogens that can be carried in the seeds of some 
               
               
                 plants having economic importance and the induced diseases 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Induced 
               
               
                 Plant species 
                 Pathogen 
                 disease 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 
                   Avena sativa 
                 
                 
                   Pseudomonas syringae 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Oat) 
                 pv.  coronafaciens   
                 blight 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv.  striafaciens   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stripe 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blight 
               
               
                 
                   Beta vulgaris 
                 
                 
                   Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Beet) 
                 pv.  betae   
                 wilt 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv.  aptata   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blight, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Leaf spot 
               
               
                   Brassica  spp. 
                 P. s. pv.  maculicola   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Cruciferae) 
                   
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                   
                   Pseudomonas  spp., 
                 Black rot 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Xanthomonas campestris 
                 
               
               
                   
                 pv.  campestris   
               
               
                   
                 X. c. pv.  raphani   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                   Capsicum  spp. 
                 
                   Burkholderia solanacearum 
                 
                 Brown rot 
               
               
                 (Pepper) 
                   Erwinia  spp., 
                 Fruit 
               
               
                   
                   Pseudomonas  spp., 
                 bacterial 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv. tomato, 
                 spot, branch 
               
               
                   
                 
                   X. vesicatoria 
                 
                 and leaf 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blight 
               
               
                 
                   Cucumis sativus 
                 
                 P. s. pv.  lachrymans   
                 Angular leaf 
               
               
                 (Cucumber) 
                   
                 spot 
               
               
                   
                 
                   X. cucurbitae 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                   Cucurbita  spp. 
                 
                   X. cucurbitae 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Squash) 
                   
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                 
                   Daucus carota 
                 
                   X. hortorum . pv.  carotae   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Carrot) 
                   
                 blight, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 root scab 
               
               
                 
                   Glycine max 
                 
                   Bacillus subtilis , 
                 Seedling 
               
               
                 (Soya bean) 
                   Burkholderia solanacearum , 
                 wilt; 
               
               
                   
                   Clavibacter  spp 
                 stunting 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens 
                 
                 Wilt 
               
               
                   
                   P. savastanoi  pv.  glycinea   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blight 
               
               
                   
                   P. syringae  pv.  tabaci   
                 Wild fire 
               
               
                   
                   Pseudomonas  spp., 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   X. axonopodis  pv.  glycines   
                 pustule 
               
               
                   Gossypium  spp. 
                 X. a. pv.  malvacearum   
                 Black arm, 
               
               
                 (Cotton) 
                   
                 bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blight 
               
               
                   
                   
                 angular 
               
               
                   
                   
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                 
                   Hordeum vulgare 
                 
                 P. s. pv.  atrofaciens   
                 Glume rot 
               
               
                 (Barley) 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv.  syringae   
                 Barley 
               
               
                   
                   
                 kernel 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blight 
               
               
                   
                 
                   X. translucens 
                 
                 Black chaff, 
               
               
                   
                 pv.  translucens   
                 leaf blight 
               
               
                 
                   Lactuca sativa 
                 
                   Pseudomonas cichorii , 
                 Leaf blight 
               
               
                 (Lettuce) 
                 X. a. pv.  vitians   
               
               
                 
                   Lycopersicon 
                 
                   Bacillus polymyxa , 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 
                   esculentum 
                 
                   Burkholderia solanacearum , 
                 cancer 
               
               
                 (Tomato) 
                 
                   Clavibacter michiganensis 
                 
               
               
                   
                 subsp.  michiganensis   
               
               
                   
                 C. m. subsp.  Sepedonicus   
                 Potato 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ring rot 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Pseudomonas corrugata 
                 
                 Necrosis 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv. tomato 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Leaf spot, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 speckle 
               
               
                   
                 
                   X. vesicatoria 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 spot; 
               
               
                   
                   
                 black spot 
               
               
                 
                   Nicotiana tabacum 
                 
                 
                   E. carotovora 
                 
                 Philippines 
               
               
                 (Tobacco) 
                 subsp.  carotovora , 
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Pseudomonas aeruginosa 
                 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv.  mellea   
                 Wisconsin 
               
               
                   
                   
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv.  tabaci   
                 Wild fire 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Rhodococcus fascians 
                 
                 Epinasty 
               
               
                   
                 
                   X. fragarie 
                 
                 Leaf spot 
               
               
                 
                   Oryza sativa 
                 
                   Burkholderia glumae , 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Rice) 
                   Erwinia herbicola , 
                 sheath rot 
               
               
                   
                   Acidovorax avenae , 
               
               
                   
                 
                   P. fuscovaginae 
                 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv.  syringae , 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   X. oryzae  pv.  oryzae   
                 leaf blight 
               
               
                   
                   X. oryzae  pv.  oryzicola   
                 Leaf stripe 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blight 
               
               
                 
                   Phaseolus vulgaris 
                 
                   Clavibacter  spp. 
                 Brown chaff 
               
               
                 (Bean) 
                 
                   Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 wilt 
               
               
                   
                   Enterobacter nimipressuralis , 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   P. syringae  pv.  aceris , 
                 brown spot 
               
               
                   
                   P. syringae  pv.  syringae   
               
               
                   
                 
                   P. savastanoi 
                 
                 Halo blight, 
               
               
                   
                 pv.  phaseolicola   
                 greasy blotch 
               
               
                   
                   P. viridiflava , 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                 X. a. pv.  phaseoli   
                 blight 
               
               
                   
                 
                   X. fragarie 
                 
                 Purple blotch 
               
               
                 
                   Medicago sativa 
                 
                 C. m. subsp.  insidiosus   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Lucerne) 
                   
                 wilt 
               
               
                   
                 X. a. pv.  alfalfae   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 leaf and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stem spot 
               
               
                 
                   Pisum sativum 
                 
                 
                   P. savastanoi 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Pea) 
                 pv.  phaseolicola , 
                 blight 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv.  pisi   
               
               
                   
                 
                   X. fragarie 
                 
                 Purple spot 
               
               
                   Prunus  spp. 
                   Agrobacterium tumefaciens , 
               
               
                 (Plum, apricot, 
                 
                   P. syringae 
                 
               
               
                 cherry, peach) 
               
               
                 
                   Raphanus sativus 
                 
                 X. c. pv.  raphani   
               
               
                 (Radish) 
               
               
                 
                   Secale cerale 
                 
                 
                   X. translucens 
                 
                 Blackk chaff 
               
               
                 (Rye) 
                 pv.  undulosa   
               
               
                 
                   Sesamum indicum 
                 
                 P. s. pv.  sesami   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                 (Sesame) 
                   
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                   
                 X. c. pv.  sesami   
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 leaf spot 
               
               
                 
                   Solanum tuberosum 
                 
                   Erwinia  spp. 
               
               
                 (Potato) 
               
               
                   Trifolium  spp. 
                 
                   Bacillus megaterium 
                 
               
               
                 (Clover, 
                 pv.  ceralis , 
               
               
                   trifolium ) 
                 
                   C. michiganensis 
                 
               
               
                   
                 subsp.  insidiosus , 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Erwinia caratovora 
                 
               
               
                   
                 subsp.  caratovora , 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Burkholderia solanacearum 
                 
               
               
                 
                   Triticum aestivum 
                 
                 
                   Bacillus megaterium 
                 
                 White blotch 
               
               
                 (Wheat) 
                 pv.  ceralis   
               
               
                   
                   Rathayibacter iranicus , 
                 Yellow slime 
               
               
                   
                 C. m. subsp.  nebraskensis , 
                 disease 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Rathayibacter tritici 
                 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Erwinia rhapontici 
                 
                 Pink seed 
               
               
                   
                 
                   P. syringae 
                 
                 Leaf necrosis 
               
               
                   
                 P. s. pv.  atrofaciens   
                 Basal glume 
               
               
                   
                   
                 rot, ear rot 
               
               
                   
                 
                   X. translucens 
                 
               
               
                   
                 pv.  translucens   
               
               
                   Zea mays  (Corn) 
                 
                   C. michiganensis 
                 
                 Wilt 
               
               
                   
                 subsp.  nebraskensis   
               
               
                   
                 
                   Erwinia chrysanthemi 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                 pv.  zea , 
                 wilt, leaf 
               
               
                   
                   E. herbicola , 
                 blight 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Pantoea stewartii 
                 
               
               
                   
                 subsp.  stewartii   
               
               
                   
                 
                   P. syringae 
                 
                 Bacterial 
               
               
                   
                   
                 spot, leaf 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blight; 
               
               
                   
                   
                 crown rot 
               
               
                   
                   P. syringae  pv.  lapsa   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 PRIOR ART TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Diseases caused by some fungi in plants 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Disease factor 
                 Fungus species 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Root and Root Collar 
                   Fusarium  spp.,  Rhizoctonia solani   
               
               
                   
                 Rots 
               
               
                   
                 Leaf Spot 
                   Alternaria alternata ,  A. brassicae , 
               
               
                   
                   
                 
                   A. raphani 
                 
               
               
                   
                 White Rot 
                 
                   Sclerotinia sclerotiorum 
                 
               
               
                   
                 Early Blight Disease 
                 
                   Alternaria solani 
                 
               
               
                   
                 Anthracnosis 
                 
                   Colletotrichum lindemuthianum 
                 
               
               
                   
                 Late Blight 
                 
                   Phytophthora infestans 
                 
               
               
                   
                 Loose Smut Disease 
                   Ustilago nuda hordei , 
               
               
                   
                   
                 
                   Ustilago nuda tritici 
                 
               
               
                   
                 Bunt Disease 
                 
                   Tilletia foetida 
                 
               
               
                   
                   Septoria  Spot Disease 
                   Septoria apiicola , 
               
               
                   
                   
                 
                   Septoria lycopersici 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 PRIOR ART TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Annual losses caused by some viruses in some plants. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Virus Species 
                 Plant species 
                 Region 
                 Annual loss 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Tomato spotted wilt 
                 All hosts 
                 World 
                 1 · 10 9   
                 $* 
               
               
                 virus 
               
               
                 Citrus tristeza virus 
                 Citrus 
                 World 
                 9-24 · 10 6   
                 £** 
               
               
                   
                 fruits 
               
               
                 Potato Y virus 
                 Potato 
                 UK 
                 30-50 · 10 6   
                 £ 
               
               
                 Potato X virus 
               
               
                 Potato leafroll virus 
               
               
                 Sugar beet yellow 
                 Sugar beet 
                 UK 
                 50 · 10 6   
                 £ 
               
               
                 mosaic virus 
               
               
                 Barley yellow dwarf 
                 Barley 
                 UK 
                 6 · 10 6   
                 £ 
               
               
                 virus 
               
               
                 Barley yellow dwarf 
                 Wheat 
                 UK 
                 5 · 10 6   
                 £ 
               
               
                 virus 
               
               
                 Rice dwarf virus 
                 Rice 
                 Asia 
                 140 · 10 6   
                 $ 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *$: Dollar; 
               
               
                 **£: Pound Sterling 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0010]    There are various studies in the state of the art about sterilization of seed surfaces. It is stated before in the literature that seed surfaces are sterilized with 1-5% sodium hypochlorite solution. However, in some studies, it was observed that  Aspergillus  spores could not be eliminated in seeds to which 1-5% sodium hypochlorite solution was applied. 
         [0011]    Wilson, in his study conducted in 1915, stated that as a result of sterilization of 30 different seeds with calcium hypochlorite containing 2% chlorine, fungi were encountered only in three seeds and that calcium hypochlorite is suitable for use in seed sterilization. 
         [0012]    Nega et al. (2003) tried to sterilize the seeds with warm water at different temperatures and periods of time in order to avoid exposure of the seeds that will be used in organic agriculture to chemical sterilization processes and succeeded in decreasing the number of pathogen microorganisms in the seed without losing the germination ability of the seeds. However, the pathogen microorganism on the seed cannot be completely eliminated either by this method. The microbial load can only be reduced by a certain ratio. 
         [0013]    Seed improvement methods and compositions are developed in the patent documents no. WO 2012152737 and WO 2009021986 which are applications in the state of the art. 
         [0014]    In the United States patent document no. US20130005811, a formulation that reduces the bacterial population located on the exterior surface of the seed coat. However it is not indicated that any of the said sterilization methods have any effect against bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses both in and out of the seed at the same time. 
         [0015]    Japanese patent document no. JP2007209267, an application known in the art, relates to an antibacterial composition. The said application discloses a composition which enables to disinfect the seed coat. 
         [0016]    The European patent document no. EP1865032, an application known in the art, discloses a pigment mixture that can be used on mica surfaces. This pigment can also be applied for obtaining antimicrobial surface in seed coat by using zinc oxide and derivatives thereof. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The objective of the present invention is to provide an antifungal coating formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose. 
         [0018]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide an anticandidal coating formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose. 
         [0019]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide an antibacterial coating formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose. 
         [0020]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide an antiviral coating formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose. 
         [0021]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide a coating formulation which can be applied to seeds of annual and perennial plants. 
         [0022]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a coating formulation which enhances germination ability of the seeds by preventing growth of microorganisms. 
         [0023]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide a coating formulation which reduces or eliminates the product losses as a result of infection occurring in the seeds of annual and perennial plants. 
         [0024]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a coating formulation for sterilization of surfaces where there is fungal, bacterial and viral contamination due to the areas of use of the annual and perennial plant seeds and the surfaces of silos, storehouses and warehouses where the seeds are stored before seeding. 
         [0025]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a coating formulation which can be used for sterilization of agricultural implements and equipment. 
         [0026]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide an antimicrobial product obtained by the formulation of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is the view of the antibacterial activity of the coating product containing ZTC on the bacteria  Clavibacter michiganensis.    
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is the view of the antifungal activity of the coating product containing ZTC on the fungus  Botrytis  spp. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is the view of the antifungal activity of the coating product containing ZTC on the fungus  Fusarium  spp. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is the view of the antibacterial activity of the coating product containing ZTC on the bacteria  Pseudomonas syringae  on safflower seed and the safflower seed on which nothing is applied. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is the view of germination of corn seeds on which the coating product containing ZTC is applied. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is the view of the corn seeds on which coating is not performed. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is the view of germination of sunflower seeds on which the coating product containing ZTC is applied. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is the view of the sunflower seeds on which coating is not performed. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is the view of germination of wheat seeds on which the coating product containing ZTC is applied. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is the view of the wheat seeds on which coating is not performed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    A seed coating formulation is developed with the present invention which is effective against all kinds of pathological factors (bacteria, fungi and viruses) that are present both on the surface and inside the seeds and which does not harm germination ability of the seed. This coating formulation exhibits sterilized effect on all kinds of seeds. If the said formulation is used, seed-borne diseases will be controlled and also soil-borne pathogen losses will be reduced. The developed product exhibits the same antimicrobial and antiviral activity on not one but all seed species. 
         [0038]    The process of developing seed coating formulation containing zinc pyrithione (C 10 H 8 N 2 O 2 S 2 Zn), triclosan (C 12 H 7 Cl 3 O 2 ) and carboxymethyl cellulose for surface sterilization is performed as described below.
       5 g carboxymethyl cellulose is mixed within 964.16 g water at 50° C. until it becomes completely homogenous and viscous to obtain 1000 g solution. Then, 0.5 g triclosan and 20.83 g zinc pyrithione is added therein. The obtained mixture is stirred for about 30 minutes. As a final ratio, 0.01-0.1% by volume of triclosan and 0.5-2% by volume of zinc pyrithione are obtained. This prepared formulation is used for coating the seed surface after it cools to room temperature. The said formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose is hereinafter referred to as “ZTC” (abbreviation).       
 
         [0040]    The process of coating the seeds with the formulation is carried out as follows;
       In order to carry out the process of coating the seed with the solution at room temperature (25° C.), first the solution and then the seeds are placed in flacons. Coating process is carried out at room temperature of 25-30° C. for 15 minutes at 12 rpm for the solution in the flacons to completely coat the surface of the seeds. In the last step which enables to provide antimicrobial property to the seeds, the seeds are filtered and then dried at 25-30° C. in a drying oven.       
 
         [0042]    The same formulation can be applied on agricultural implements and storage surfaces by immersion or spraying such that it will coat the entire surface. 
         [0043]    The product obtained with the coating formulation sterilizes the seed surfaces, agricultural implements and storage surfaces by coating them. 
         [0044]    The “Coating formulation for seed and surface sterilization” developed to fulfill the objective of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
       Experimental Studies 
       [0045]    Antimicrobial Tests 
         [0046]    The antimicrobial seed coating formulation of the present invention was applied to the seeds by means of the below described coating method. Equal amounts of coated seeds and untreated seeds were placed on Nutrient Agar (NA), Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) respectively in order to observe microorganism growth on the seed surface. The petri dishes, which contained media suitable for bacteria, yeast and fungus growth, were kept at 25±1° C. for bacteria for 24 hours and at 36±1° C. for yeasts for 48 hours and at 25±1° C. for fungi for 72 hours. Untreated seeds were used as negative control. Antimicrobial activity of the antimicrobial seed coating formulation on the seed was evaluated by taking into to consideration the microorganisms growing around the seed. Antimicrobial activity test results of the seeds coated with the tested antimicrobial seed coating product containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose are summarized in Prior art Table 1. All tests were repeated at least twice. 
         [0047]    Antimicrobial activity tests of the coated seeds; 
         [0048]    Antimicrobial activity tests of the plant seeds, which were prepared with the formulation containing ZTC as described above, were carried out simultaneously with two different methods. In the first test method; isolates from the bacteria  Pseudomonas syringae, Clavibacter  spp.,  Burkholderia  spp.,  Curtobacterium  spp.,  Bacillus  spp.,  Peudomonasaeruginosa, Erwinia  spp.,  Xanthomnonasaxonopodis, Xanthomonascampestris  and  Agrobacterium  spp; the yeast  Candida  spp. and the fungi  Aspergillus  spp.,  Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium  spp.,  Penicillium  spp.,  Rhizopus  spp.,  Alternaria  spp.,  Rhizoctonia  spp. and  Sclerotinia  spp. were inoculated on petri dishes containing suitable media (NA, SDA and PDA respectively). Seeds coated with ZTC-containing formulation were placed on the inoculated petri dishes. The inoculated petri dishes were incubated for 24 hours for bacteria and 48 hours for yeasts at 36±1° C. and 72 hours for fungi at 25±1° C. Antimicrobial activities of the seeds were assessed by observing the inhibition zone (zone where microorganisms do not grow) formed around the samples on which application is made. 
         [0049]    In the second method, the seeds coated with ZTC-containing formulation were crushed by using a mortar and pestle in order to observe the effect of the formulation on the endophytic microorganism load in the seeds. The crushed seeds were incubated in Nutrient Broth (NB) and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) media respectively. The samples, which were agitated at 25±1° ° C. for one hour at 100 rpm, were added into Nutrient Agar (NA), Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), respectively, by means of a micropipette such that there will be 100 μl in each medium and were inoculated with diffusion method by the help of drigalski. The inoculated samples were incubated for 24 hours for bacteria and 48 hours for yeasts at 36±1° C. and 72 hours for fungi at 25±1° C. and the effect of the formulation on the endophytic microorganism load in the seeds was observed by examining the microorganism growth. 
         [0050]    Germination Tests of Coated and Uncoated Seeds 
         [0051]    The seeds coated with the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose and the seeds which are not treated in any way as control group were placed on NA and PDA media. Germination ratio of the seeds in the petri dishes which were taken into a germination cabin to provide a suitable environment for germination and the effect of the contamination in the media on the germination of the seeds were observed at certain intervals. 
         [0052]    Antiviral Tests 
         [0053]    Antiviral Activity Tests of Zinc Pyrithione; 
         [0054]    In order to produce Human adenovirus type 5 Adenoid 75 strain and Poliovirus type 1 Chat strain virus and to carry out the experiment, a complete layer of HEp-2 cells (ATCC CCL-23), which are human monolayer tumor cells, were used. For determining virus titration, reference Human adenovirus type 5 Adenoid 75 strain and Poliovirus type 1 Chat strain were inoculated by making serial dilutions to HEp-2 cells, and by taking as basis the virus dilution that produces a cytopathic effect visible in invert microscope, virus titration was computed by using Spearman-Karber method. These viruses were tested as model DNA and RNA viruses. The formulations effective against these viruses are accepted to be effective against other plant and human pathogen viruses. In order to determine Sub-Cytotoxic concentration of Zinc pyrithione, liquid zinc pyrithione was 10-fold serially diluted with Eagle&#39;s minimum essential medium (MEM) and non-toxic concentration was detected in the cell medium and this concentration was used in the experiment. For the controls, MEM inoculated HEp-2 cells, full layer HEp-2 cells wherein zinc pyrithione was not added, 10-fold diluted reference virus titration control, formaldehyde control and controls containing toxic concentrations of zinc pyrithione were used as negative control instead of the virus. 
         [0055]    Preparation of Cell Culture Medium and the Chemicals 
         [0056]    MEM medium: 10% serum (FBS) containing enzymes, hormones and growth factors for the cells to adsorb to the surfaces and proliferate; and 40 IU/ml penicillin, 0.04 mg/ml streptomycin, 0.5 mg/ml glutamine to prevent fungi and bacteria contamination; and 1% sodium bicarbonate as a buffer solution were added therein. 
         [0057]    FBS: Inactivated and  Mycoplasma -Free 
         [0058]    Sodium bicarbonate: Sterile 7.5% solution 
         [0059]    Medium Used in Virus Inoculation: 
         [0060]    The medium included 1% antibiotic (Penicillin, Streptomycine, Amphotericin B) in order to prevent fungi and bacteria contamination, and 1% sodium bicarbonate as a buffer solution. FBS serum was not added to this medium. 
         [0061]    Preparation of Clean and Polluted Media Clean medium; 0.3 gr Bovine Serum Albumin Fraction V is dissolved in 100 ml sterile water. The solution that was obtained was sterilized by being passed through a filter with mesh size 0.22 μM. 
         [0062]    Polluted medium; sheep erythrocyte and BSA are used for the polluted medium. 3 g BSA is dissolved in 100 ml sterile water and filtered. 3 ml sheep erythrocyte was completed to 97 ml BSA. 
         [0063]    Erythrocyte; 8 ml fresh sheep blood was rotated at 800 G for 10 minutes and then its supernatant was removed. Upon adding 8 ml phosphate buffer salt (PBS) thereon, pipetting was performed and it was again rotated at 800 G for 10 minutes. This procedure was repeated three times. 
         [0064]    Analysis 
         [0065]    Firstly, liquid zinc pyrithione was solid serially diluted with the cell culture medium (MEM) and its non-toxic concentration in cell culture was calculated. 8 ml of the zinc pyrithione that was to be tested was mixed with 2 ml hard water. The obtained solution was serially diluted (dilution step 1:10) with MEM. After it was incubated in 96-well monolayered cells, the microscopic changes that occurred were recorded. Concentrations that showed cytopathic effect (CPE) were determined. Zinc pyrithione and formaldehyde CPE values were compared. After determining non-toxic concentration of zinc pyrithione on the cells, the effects of zinc pyrithione on virus titration as a result of 1-60 minutes application periods in clean and polluted media were studied. For the controls, MEM inoculated HEp-2 cells, full layer HEp-2 cells wherein zinc pyrithione was not added, 10-fold diluted reference virus titration control, formaldehyde control and controls containing toxic concentrations of zinc pyrithione were used as negative control instead of the virus. Taking as basis the virus dilutions wherein cytopathic effect that is visible in invert microscope is formed, virus titration was calculated as TCID 50  value by using Spearman-Karber method. According to TS EN 14476 (MARCH 2007) standard, disinfectants should reduce virus titration by 4 or more logs for their antiviral activities. 
       Experimental Results 
       [0066]    The formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose was applied to the seeds in in vitro conditions. According to the antimicrobial activity test conducted, it was observed that the seed coatings made with the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose had an effect of preventing growth of all of the tested microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts and fungi) (Table 1). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Antimicrobial activity of the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, 
               
               
                 triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose on the tested microorganisms 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 formulation containing zinc 
               
               
                   
                 pyrithione, triclosan and 
               
               
                   
                 carboxymethyl cellulose 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 BACTERIA 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 
                   Pseudomonas syringae 
                 
                  + a   
               
               
                   
                   Clavibacter  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Burkholderia spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Curtobacterium spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Bacillus  spp. 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Pseudomonas aeruginosa 
                 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Erwinia  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Xanthomonas axonopodis 
                 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Xanthomonas campestris 
                 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Enterobacter  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Agrobacterium spp. 
                 + 
               
             
          
           
               
                 YEAST 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   Candida  spp. 
                 + 
               
             
          
           
               
                 FUNGI 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   Aspergillus  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Fusarium  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Botrytis  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Penicillium  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Alternaria  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Rhizoctonia  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Rhizopus  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   Sclerotinia  spp. 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   a + sign indicates that the formulation applied had antimicrobial activity. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0067]    Antimicrobial activities in the prepared seeds were tested by using isolates from the bacteria ( Pseudomonas syringae, Clavibacter  spp.,  Burkholderia  spp.,  Curtobacterium  spp.,  Bacillus  spp.,  Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Erwinia  spp.,  Xanthomonasaxonopodis, Xanthomonascampestris  and  Agrobacterium  spp); the yeast ( Candida  spp.); and the fungi ( Aspergillus  spp.,  Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium  spp.,  Penicillium  spp.,  Rhizopus  spp.,  Alternaria  spp.,  Rhizoctonia  spp. and  Sclerotinia  spp.). According to the obtained results, it was observed that the seeds on which antimicrobial seed coating formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose was applied had antimicrobial activity on all of the tested microorganisms (Table 2, 3, 4). Furthermore, the invention has antiviral activity on all kinds of DNA and RNA viruses causing diseases in plants. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Antimicrobial activity test results of the seeds 
               
               
                 coated with the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, 
               
               
                 triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Bacteria 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   Burk - 
                   Curto - 
                   
               
               
                   
                 For- 
                 
                   P. 
                 
                 
                   Clavibacter 
                 
                 
                   holderia 
                 
                 
                   bacterium 
                 
                 
                   Bacillus 
                 
               
               
                 Seeds 
                 mulas 
                 
                   syringae 
                 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Wheat 
                 ZTC a   
                     + c   
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. b   
                     − d   
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Barley 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Sugar 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 Beet 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Corn 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 To- 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 bacco 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Rice 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K, 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Bean 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Tomato 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Sun- 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 flower 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a ZTC: the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose applied to the seeds. 
               
               
                   b N.K.: Distilled water applied to the seeds. 
               
               
                   c + sign indicates that the formulation applied had antimicrobial activity. 
               
               
                   d − sign indicates that the formulation applied did not have antimicrobial activity. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Antimicrobial activity test results of the seeds 
               
               
                 coated with the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, 
               
               
                 triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Bacteria 
                 Yeasts 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   Agro - 
                   Can - 
               
               
                   
                 For- 
                 
                   Erwinia 
                 
                 
                   X. 
                 
                 
                   X. 
                 
                 
                   bacterium 
                 
                 
                   dida 
                 
               
               
                 Seeds 
                 mulas 
                 spp. 
                 
                   axonopodis 
                 
                 
                   campestris 
                 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Wheat 
                 ZTC a   
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. b   
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Barley 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Sugar 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 beet 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Corn 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 To- 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 bacco 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Rice 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Bean 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Tomato 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Sun- 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 flower 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a ZTC: the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose applied to the seeds. 
               
               
                   b N.K.: Distilled water applied to the seeds. 
               
               
                 c. + sign indicates that the formulation applied had antimicrobial activity. 
               
               
                 d. − sign indicates that the formulation applied did not have antimicrobial activity. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Antimicrobial activity test results of the seeds 
               
               
                 coated with the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, 
               
               
                 triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Fungi 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   Peni - 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   Asper - 
                   Fusar - 
                   cil - 
                   Alter - 
                   Rhizoc - 
                   Rhi - 
                   Scler - 
               
               
                   
                 For- 
                 
                   gillus 
                 
                 
                   ium 
                 
                 
                   lium 
                 
                 
                   naria 
                 
                 
                   tonia 
                 
                 
                   zopus 
                 
                 
                   otinia 
                 
               
               
                 Seeds 
                 mulas 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
                 spp. 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Wheat 
                 ZTC a   
                     + c   
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. b   
                     − d   
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Barley 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Sugar 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 beet 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Corn 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 To- 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 bacco 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Rice 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Bean 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Tomato 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                 Sun- 
                 ZTC 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                 flower 
                 N.K. 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a ZTC: the formulation containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose applied to the seeds. 
               
               
                   b N.K.: Distilled water applied to the seeds. 
               
               
                   c + sign indicates that the formulation applied had antimicrobial activity. 
               
               
                   d − sign indicates that the formulation applied did not have antimicrobial activity. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0068]    As a result of the experimental studies, it was observed that the antimicrobial seed coating product containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose has antimicrobial activity on microorganisms ( FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0069]    While no microbial contamination was observed in the seeds treated with the antimicrobial seed coating product containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose; it was determined that the untreated seeds were exposed to microbial contamination ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0070]    While no contamination was observed in the media where the seeds treated with the antimicrobial seed coating product containing zinc pyrithione, triclosan and carboxymethyl cellulose were placed ( FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 9 ); it was determined that germination ratio of the seeds were higher than the negative controls ( FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 ). 
         [0071]    Since the 10%, 1% and 0.1% suspensions of the tested zinc pyrithione showed cytopathic effect on the cells in the cell culture, the lowest ratio of the said zinc pyrithione solution which does not show cytopathic effect, i.e. 0.01%, was used. 
         [0072]    It was observed in the calculations made as a result of the test that zinc pyrithione caused at least 4 log reduction in virus titration at all experiment conditions (Table 5 and Table 6) as a result of application at a ratio of 1/1, at room temperature (20° C.), in clean and polluted media and within 1 and 60 minute application periods. According to Antimicrobial Division US EPA standards, disinfectants should reduce virus titration by 4 or more logs for their virucidal activities. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Antiviral activity of zinc pyrithione in HEp-2 cell culture 
               
               
                 against Human adenovirus type 5 virus Adenoid 75 strain 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Zinc pyrithione 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Reference 
                 1 minute 
                 60 minutes 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Virus 
                 virus 
                 Clean 
                   
                 Clean 
                 Polluted 
               
               
                 titration* 
                 5.3 
                 medium 
                 Polluted 
                 medium 
                 medium 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Virus titration with 
                 1.0 
                 1.0 
                 1.0 
                 1.0 
               
               
                 disinfectant** 
               
               
                 Reduction ratio in 
                 4.0 
                 4.0 
                 4.0 
                 4.0 
               
               
                 virus titration*** 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Logarithmic TCID 50  value of the virus in ml. 
               
               
                 **Logarithmic TCID 50  value of the virus treated with the disinfectant at different periods and media. 
               
               
                 ***Logarithmic TCID 50  ratio between the virus titration and the virus titration with disinfectant 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Antiviral activity of Zinc pyrithione in HEp-2 cell 
               
               
                 culture against Poliovirus Type I virus Chat strain 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Zinc pyrithione 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Reference 
                 1 minute 
                 60 minutes 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Virus 
                 virus 
                 Clean 
                 Polluted 
                 Clean 
                   
               
               
                 titration* 
                 5.5 
                 medium 
                 medium 
                 medium 
                 Polluted 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Virus titration with 
                 1.5 
                 1.0 
                 1.5 
                 1.5 
               
               
                 disinfectant** 
               
               
                 Reduction ratio in 
                 4.0 
                 4.5 
                 4.0 
                 4.0 
               
               
                 virus titration*** 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Logarithmic TCID 50  value of the virus in ml 
               
               
                 **Logarithmic TCID 50  value of the virus treated with the disinfectant at different periods and media. 
               
               
                 ***Logarithmic TCID 50  ratio between the virus titration and the virus titration with disinfectant 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0073]    As a conclusion; these experiment results show that Zinc pyrithione is 99.9% active against Human adenovirus type 5 virus and 99.9% active against Poliovirus Type 1 virus when used directly without being diluted at room temperature (20° C.) within 1 and 60 minute application periods. 
         [0074]    In accordance with the TS EN 14476 (March 2007) standards of Turkish Standards Institute (TSE), it is accepted that this product, whose virucidal activity against Human adenovirus type 5 which is a DNA model virus sample is researched, shows the same virucidal activity against the other enveloped or non-enveloped DNA viruses which cannot be practically tested in laboratory such as HBV provided that it is used at least at the above mentioned solubility and periods and against other plant pathogen viruses if used with any one of the methods of washing, wiping, impregnation (wetting/immersing). Furthermore, it is accepted that this product, whose virucidal activity against Poliovirus Type 1 which is an RNA model virus sample is researched, shows the same virucidal activity against other enveloped or non-enveloped RNA viruses which cannot be practically tested in laboratory such as HCV and HIV provided that it is used at least at the above mentioned solubility and periods. 
         [0075]    The present invention is not limited to the seeds given above and can be applied to all annual and perennial plant seeds. 
         [0076]    The seed coating formulation of the present invention also eliminates the contaminations encountered during agronomic practices such as grafting, pruning and hoeing used in plant production, and can be used for sterilization of agriculture implements. 
         [0077]    This formulation can also be used as a protective agent or an additive in coating products for preventing biological degradation and deterioration occurring as a result of bacterial or fungal contaminations on wooden surfaces. 
         [0078]    The content of the formulation of the present invention can be brought into a product form with different materials.