Seed Coatings: Specialty Applications

SEKISUI Selvol™ polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH/PVA) resin protects seeds as a coating solution until the environment offers ideal germination conditions. Polyvinyl alcohol seed coatings keep them safe and ensure they do not germinate until they reach the right temperature and moisture.

Serving as both a coating and fertilizer binder, Selvol PVOH controls dosing and supports mechanical planting operations with its slick, nonsticky surface.

With cotton seeds, Selvol PVOH seed coatings smooth lint and prevent tangling. This reduces the need for mechanical delinting and eliminates acid delinting. Concurrently, Selvol helps manufacturers keep seeds safe, engineer dosage and improve planting efficiency.

Recipe for Success: Preparing PVOH Seed Coating Solution

Formulators must prepare Selvol PVOH solutions correctly to deliver optimal performance in seed coating applications. Our simple five-step preparation process ensures proper dissolution. We also offer ready-to-use Selvol solutions for customers with limited equipment.

This is the recommended starting formulation:

Use a 4% solution of Selvol PVOH 203, 205, 523 or 540 in water.
- Note: The final grade and concentration you choose depend on the processing path.
Place additives as required.
Apply the seed coating via the following methods or others:
- Stir-in
- Spray dryer
- Fluidized bed
- Drum coater
Dry the seeds via the following methods or others:
- Convection oven
- Tumble dryer
Coat with a light layer of talc if sticky.

See more Selvol PVOH solution preparation guidelines.

Ready-to-Use PVOH Coating Available

For faster processing, SEKISUI Specialty Chemicals offers ready-to-use PVOH/PVA seed coatings. These eliminate the dissolution step and deliver several advantages: