DELIVERY OF PARAFFINIC OIL-CONTAINING COMPOSITIONS TO ROOT TISSUE OF PLANTS

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20200253200
  • Publication Number
    20200253200
  • Date Filed
    May 01, 2020
    4 years ago
  • Date Published
    August 13, 2020
    4 years ago
Abstract
This disclosure features methods for the delivery of combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) that include a paraffinic oil to one or more plants. The methods include applying the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) to one or more plants in a manner that facilitates plant uptake of the paraffinic oil primarily by absorption through root system of the one or more plants.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure features methods for the delivery of combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) that include a paraffinic oil to one or more plants for, e.g., promoting the health of the one or more plants.


BACKGROUND

Rusts are plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens of the order Pucciniales. Rusts can affect a variety of plants, including monocotyledons and dicotyledons, as well as various plant organs, including leaves, stems, fruits and seeds. Rust is typically observed as colored powdery pustules composed off tiny spores that form on the lower plant organ surfaces. Common rust-causing fungal species include Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae (Cedar-apple rust) which attacks apple and pear and hawthorn; Cronartium ribicola (White pine blister rust); which attacks white pines and currants; Hemileia vastatrix (Coffee rust) which attacks coffee plant; Puccinia graminis (wheat stem rust) which attacks Kentucky bluegrass, barley, and wheat; Puccinia coronata (Crown Rust of Oats and Ryegrass) which attacks oats; Phakopsora meibomiae and P. pachyrhizi (soybean rust) which attacks soybean and various legumes; Uromyces phaseoli (Bean rust) which attacks bean; Puccinia hemerocallidis (Daylily rust) which attacks Daylily; Puccinia persistens subsp. triticina causes (wheat rust in grains, also known as ‘brown or red rust’); P. sriiformis (yellow or stripe rust); Uromyces appendeculatus which attacks bean.


Wheat stem rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia graminis and is a significant disease affecting cereal crops, particularly wheat (Triticum spp.) An epidemic of stem rust on wheat caused by race Ug99 is currently spreading across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and threatening large numbers of people who are dependent on wheat for sustenance. The rust fungus attacks the parts of the plant which are above ground. Spores that land on green wheat plants form a pustule that invades the outer layers of the stalk. Where infection has occurred on the stem or leaf, elliptical blisters or pustules called uredia develop. Infected plants produce fewer tillers and set fewer seed.


Soybean rust is a disease that primarily affects soybeans and other legumes. It is caused by two species of fungi, Phakopsora pachyrhizi and Phakopsora meibomiae. Soybean rust has been reported in Asia, Australia, Africa, South America and North America. Soybean rust is spread by wind-borne spores, which are released in cycles of seven days to two weeks. Yield losses can be severe with this disease and losses of 10-80% have been reported.


Multi-pronged approaches are desirable to address the spread of fungal infection. A variety of preventative methods may be employed. For example, rust diseases are correlated to relatively high moisture. Accordingly, avoidance of overhead watering at night, using drip irrigation, reducing crop density, and the use of fans to circulate air flow may serve to lower the relative moisture and decrease the severity of rust infection.


Other strategies may include reducing the area of the plant that the pathogen destroys, or slowing down the spread of the fungus. Fungus-resistant plants may be used to interrupt the disease cycle because many rusts are host-specific. This approach has proven very successful in the past for control of wheat stem rust; however, Ug99 is currently virulent against most wheat varieties. Currently, there are no commercial soybean varieties with resistance to soybean rust. Accordingly, soybean rust is managed with fungicides.


In large agricultural operations, conventional synthetic fungicides can be used to control fungal pathogens. De-methylation inhibitors (DMI) such tebuconazole (Folicur™, Bayer) and propioconazole (Tilt™) may be effective for the control of wheat stem rust, while tetraconazole (Domark™, Valent) be effective for the control of soybean rust. Quinone Outside Inhibitors (QoI), such as pyraclostrobin (Headline™, BASF), may be effective for the control of soybean rust, while azoxystrobin (Quadris™) may be effective for the control of wheat stem rust.


Conventional fungicides are generally applied by air to the foliage as contact between the pathogen with the fungicide is required for efficacy. This process can expensive and fungicide application is often reserved for seasons when foliar diseases are severe. Second, conventional fungicides typically target specific sites of important pathogen proteins. Accordingly, strains may develop resistance to the fungicide after repeat applications. Third, the efficacy of conventional chemical fungicides is not always satisfactory for some of the diseases, such as Fusarium Head Blight (Scab). Finally, conventional fungicides are generally not acceptable for use in organic farming.


As an alternative approach to conventional chemical fungicides, oil-in-water emulsions comprising paraffinic oils (paraffinic oil-in-water emulsions) and paraffinic spray oils have been used in turfgrass management practices for controlling turfgrass pests (see, for example, Canadian Patent Application 2,472,806 and Canadian Patent Application 2,507,482). In addition, oil-in-water formulations comprising paraffinic oils and a pigment for controlling turfgrass pests have been reported (see, for example, WO 2009/155693). For example, Petro-Canada produces CIVITAS™, is a paraffinic oil-in-water emulsion that functions as a broad spectrum fungicide and insecticide for use on golf course turf and landscape ornamentals, used for example to control powdery mildew, adelgids and webworms on landscape ornamentals (US EPA REG. NO. 69526-13). Product labeling indicates that CIVITAS™ may be applied as part of an alternating spray program or in tank mixes with other turf and ornamental protection products; and that CIVITAS™ may be used as a preventative treatment with curative properties for the control of many important diseases on turf, including fairways and roughs.


SUMMARY

This disclosure features methods for the delivery of combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) that include a paraffinic oil to one or more plants. The methods include applying the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) to one or more plants in a manner that facilitates plant uptake of the paraffinic oil primarily by absorption through the root system of the one or more plants. It has been surprisingly found that that combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) applied in this manner are effective for promoting the health of the one or more plants (e.g., at least as effective as a foliar application of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions).


Advantageously, the methods described herein can provide ease of use to the end-user. For example, the methods described herein can facilitate the treatment of particularly large and/or tall plants (e.g., trees) since the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can be applied at ground level, e.g., at the base of the large and/or tall plants (e.g., trees), for example during regular watering. As another example, the methods described herein can make use of existing irrigation infra-structure, thereby obviating the need for the additional acquisition of spraying equipment to apply the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions). As a further example, the methods described herein provide an alternative to aerial application of pesticide (e.g., crop dusting) which can be associated with environmental concerns, including spray drift and occupational health. In some cases, In still yet another example, the methods described herein can also avoid the potential injury (e.g phytotoxicity) on the foliage that can sometimes be associated with foliar application of a fungicide.


While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that applying the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) described herein to the root tissue in a plant increases the amount of endophytiic bacteria living inside the roots of the plant. It is believed that Root endophtyes invade openings in the roots from the soil, and live inside plants without causing disease. Endophytes may activate ISR in the plant and result in the activation of faster and stronger resistance to later attack by pathogens. In some instances, many of these endophytes, along with bacteria associated with the root surface, not only result in ISR, but also enhance plant growth. It is thought that plants can detect various compounds produced by these bacteria and then respond to them.


The combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include (but are not limited to) one or more of the following: one or more emulsifiers, one or more pigments, one or more silicone surfactants, one or more anti-settling agents, one or more other active agents (e.g., conventional chemical fungicides (e.g., a DMI or a QoI); or one or more plant growth regulators), and water. In some implementations, the combinations can be in the form of a single composition (e.g., which is contained within a storage pack). Typically, the composition is applied after dilution with water (e.g., by soil drench). In other implementations, the combinations can include two or more separately contained (e.g., packaged) compositions, each containing one or more of the above-mentioned components. Said compositions can be combined and applied after dilution with water; or each composition can be applied separately either simultaneously or sequentially, and after dilution with water (e.g., by soil drench).


In one aspect, methods for promoting the health of a plant are featured, which include applying a composition that includes a paraffinic oil to root tissue of the plant.


In one aspect, methods for promoting the health of a tree are featured, which include applying a composition that includes a paraffinic oil to trunk of the tree.


The methods described herein are useful for promoting the health of a plant (e.g., controlling a disease, condition, or injury caused by a pest of a plant; e.g., controlling a disease caused by fungal pathogen; e.g., controlling infection of a plant by a fungal pathogen; e.g., controlling infection of a plant by a biotic agent). Such methods are featured in this disclosure along with uses of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) for any one or more of the above-described utilities.


Implementations can include any one or more of the following features.


The composition can be applied to a growing medium that is in proximity to a base and root system of the plant, wherein the amount of the composition that is applied to the growing medium is sufficient to penetrate the growing medium and contact the root tissue for uptake by the plant.


In general, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) are applied in an amount that is greater than the amount, which would contact the growing medium by run-off after spraying the ariel portions of the plant with the same amount of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions). Examples of such amounts are provided throughout this disclosure.


The growing medium can include any surface of the growing medium that is from 0 inches to six feet (e.g., 0 inches to five feet, 0 inches to four feet, 0 inches to three feet, 0 inches to two feet, 0 inches to 12 inches, 0 inches to six inches, 0 inches to one inch, 0 inches to 0.5 inch) from the base of the plant and any growing medium that is from 0 inches to 24 inches beneath said surface of the growing medium.


The growing medium can be soil.


The composition can be applied as a bolus.


The composition can be applied by pouring and/or root bathing.


The composition can be applied over a time period of at least ten seconds (e.g., at least five seconds, at least two seconds).


The composition can be applied by soil drenching.


The composition can be applied by drip irrigation.


The composition can be applied by soil injection.


The method can further include adding water (e.g., to the growing medium) after the composition has been applied.


The aerial exterior portion of the plant is free (e.g., contains less than 5%, or 4%, or 3%, or 2%, or 1%, or 0%) of the composition during application of the composition to the root tissue.


The composition is not applied to any aerial portion of the plant during application of the composition to the root tissue.


The aerial exterior portion of the plant is free (e.g., contains less than 5%, or 4%, or 3%, or 2%, or 1%, or 0%) of the composition.


The composition is not applied to any aerial portion of the plant.


The method can further include applying one or more conventional chemical fungicides to the plant (e.g., the one or more conventional chemical fungicides can be applied to an aerial portion of the plant).


The plant can be a crop plant (e.g., wheat, barley, soybean, tomatoes, potatoes, or corn, or any combination thereof; e.g., wheat or tomatoes). In certain implementations, the composition further includes from 50 to 99 parts per weight of water (e.g., the composition can be an oil-in-water emulsion). The composition can be applied at a rate of from 100 gal/acre to 800 gal/acre (e.g., 200 gal/acre to 400 gal/acre).


The plant can be a tree (e.g., a maple tree, a citrus tree, an apple tree, a pear tree, an oak tree, an ash tree, a pine tree, or a spruce tree, or any combination thereof; e.g., a maple tree). In certain implementations, the composition further includes from 5 to 99 parts per weight of water (e.g., the composition can be an oil-in-water emulsion). The oil can be added at a rate of from 1 oz. to 2 gallons of the composition per inch of tree diameter.


The methods described herein can be effective in controlling fungal diseases, including, e.g., maple tar spot in maple trees; or wheat stem rust, soybean rust, leaf rust, stripe rust, fusarium head blight, spot blotch, and Septoria complex in crop plants; or bacterial disease such as bacterial speck or bacterial spot. In some implementations, the combined effect of two (or more) components of the combination (e.g., the paraffinic oil and the pigment) on controlling fungal disease is greater than the expected sum of each component's individual effect on controlling a fungal disease (e.g., maple tar spot in maple trees; or wheat stem rust, soybean rust, leaf rust, stripe rust, fusarium head blight, spot blotch, and Septoria complex in crop plants). In certain implementations, the combined effect of the two (or more) components present in the combinations described herein is a synergistic effect.


The plant can be monocotyledonous. The monocotyledonous plant may be of the order Poaceae. The plant may be of the genus Triticum, Secale, Hordeum, Oryza, Zea, or Elymus. The fungal pathogen may be of the order Pucciniales. The fungal pathogen may be of the genus Puccinia. The fungal pathogen may be of the species Puccinia graminis, Puccinia triticina, or Puccinia sriiformis. The fungal pathogen can also be Bipolaris sorokiniana or Fusarium graminearum.


The plant can be dicotyledonous. The plant can be of the order Fabaceae. The plant can be of the species Glycine max. The fungal pathogen can be of the genus Phakopsora. The fungal pathogen can be Phakopsora pachyrhizi and Phakopsora meibomiae. The plant can be of the genus Gossypium. The fungal pathogen can be Phakopsora gossypii.


The combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include water. The combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can be in the form of an oil in water emulsion. As used herein, the term “oil-in-water emulsion” refers to a mixture in which one of the paraffinic oil and water (e.g., the paraffinic oil) is dispersed as droplets in the other (e.g., the water). In some implementations, an oil-in-water emulsion is prepared by a process that includes combining the paraffinic oil, water, and any other components and the paraffinic oil and applying shear until the emulsion is obtained. Typically a white milky color is indicative of the formation of an emulsion in the absence of any pigment; and a green color is observed in the presence of a pigment.


The oil-in-water emulsion can be used in a range from 200 to 400 gallons per acre for soil drench application or water-in application (including irrigation water).


The paraffinic oil can include a paraffin having a number of carbon atoms of from 12 to 50. The paraffin can have a number of carbon atoms of from about 16 to 35. The paraffin can have an average number of carbon atoms of 23.


The paraffinic oil may have a paraffin content of at least 80%. The paraffinic oil may have a paraffin content of at least 90%. The paraffinic oil may have a paraffin content of at least 99%.


The paraffinic oil can include synthetic isoparaffins. The weight ratio of the paraffinic oil to the emulsifier can be from 10:1 to 500:1.


The weight ratio of the paraffinic oil to the emulsifier can be 50:1.


The combinations (e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include a de-methylation inhibitor (DMI). The DMI may be tetraconazole, tebuconazole, propioconazole, azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, imazalil, oxpoconazole, pefurazoate, prochloraz, triflumizole, fenarimol, nuarimol, triforine, or pyrifenox.


The combinations (e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include a Quinone outside Inhibitor (QoI). The QoI may be azoxystrobin, enestrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, famoxadonem, fluoxastrobin, fenamidone, or pyribencarb.


The combinations (e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include an emulsifier (e.g., a natural or synthetic alcohol ethoxylate, an alcohol alkoxylate, an alkyl polysaccharide, a glycerol oleate, a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, an alkyl phenol ethoxylate, a polymeric surfactant, a polyethylene glycol, a sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylate, or a combination thereof).


The emulsifier can include a natural or synthetic alcohol ethoxylate.


The combinations (e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include a pigment (e.g., a polychlorinated (Cu II) phthalocyanine).


The pigment can be a water-based pigment dispersion.


The combinations (e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include a silicone surfactant.


The combinations (e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include a pigment and a silicone surfactant.


The combinations (e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include a pigment, a silicone surfactant, and an emulsifier.


In certain implementations, the combinations (e.g., fungicidal compositions) can further include an emulsifier and a combination of a pigment and a silicone surfactant, and the combined effect of the emulsifier, the paraffinic oil, the pigment and the silicone surfactant is greater than the expected sum of each component's individual effect on controlling infection by the fungal pathogen (e.g., the aforementioned components can be present in amounts that, when applied to the plant, are synergistically effective at controlling infection by the fungal pathogen). The pigment can be a polychlorinated (Cu II) phthalocyanine. The pigment can be dispersed in water. The emulsifier can include a natural or synthetic alcohol ethoxylate, an alcohol alkoxylate, an alkyl polysaccharide, a glycerol oleate, a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, an alkyl phenol ethoxylate, a polymeric surfactant, a polyethylene glycol, a sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylate, or a combination thereof. The pigment can be dispersed in oil. The emulsifier may include a natural or synthetic alcohol ethoxylate, a polymeric surfactant, a sorbitan fatty acid ester, or a combination thereof, and the combination may further comprises a polyethylene glycol according to formula IV:





R1—O—(CH2CH2O)f—R2


wherein R1═H or CH2═CH—CH2 or COCH3; R2═H or CH2═CH—CH2 or COCH3; and f≥1.


The ratio of the paraffinic oil-in-water emulsion to the combination of the pigment and the silicone surfactant can be from 32:1 to 1:4.


The ratio of the paraffinic oil to the pigment can be from about 1:5 to 100:1, such as 30:1).


The weight ratio of the paraffinic oil to the emulsifier can be from 10:1 to 100:1.


The weight ratio of the pigment to the silicone surfactant can be from 2:1 to 50:1.


The weight ratio of the paraffinic oil to the conventional chemical fungicide can be from 2:1 to 10,000:1


The fungicidal composition can be applied to the root tissue of the plant. The application to the root tissue can be by soil drench.


The compositions further include one or more anti-settling agents.


Definitions

As used herein, the term “growing medium” refers to any soil (of any composition) or soil-free (e.g. hydroponic) medium that is suitable for growing and cultivating a plant. The growing medium can further include any naturally occurring and/or synthetic substance(s) that are suitable for growing and cultivating a plant.


As used herein, the term “any surface of the growing medium” refers to the surface that is directly exposed to natural and/or simulated light and/or weather.


As used herein, the term “applying” includes contacting the surface of the growing medium with the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) as described anywhere herein (e.g., by pouring or root bathing), contacting an area that is beneath the surface of the growing medium with a combination as described anywhere herein (e.g., by soil injection), or any combination thereof. In some implementations, applying is carried out by soil drenching. In some implementations, applying is carried out by drip irrigation.


As used herein, the term “crop plant” refers to a non-woody plant, which is grown, tended to, and harvested in a cycle of one year or less as source of foodstuffs and/or energy. Examples of crop plants include, without limitation, sugar cane, wheat, rice, corn (maize), potatoes, sugar beets, barley, sweet potatoes, cassava, soybeans, tomatoes, legumes (beans and peas).


As used herein, the term “tree” refers to a woody perennial plant having a single stem or trunk and bearing lateral branches at some distance from the ground. In certain implementations, the tree is deciduous. In other implementations, the tree is evergreen (e.g., coniferous). In still other implementations, the tree is deciduous or evergreen and is grown, tended to, and harvested in a cycle of one year or less as source of foodstuffs. In a further implementation, the plant is a shrub. Examples of trees include, without limitation, maple trees, citrus trees, apple trees, pear trees, an oak tree, an ash tree, a pine tree, and a spruce tree.


In some implementations, the plant is a turf grass. As used herein, the term “turf grass” refers to a cultivated grass that provides groundcover, for example a turf or lawn that is periodically cut or mowed to maintain a consistent height. Grasses belong to the Poaceae family, which is subdivided into six subfamilies, three of which include common turf grasses: the Festucoideae subfamily of cool-season turf grasses; and the Panicoideae and Eragrostoideae subfamiles of warm-season turf grasses. A limited number of species are in widespread use as turf grasses, generally meeting the criteria of forming uniform soil coverage and tolerating mowing and traffic. In general, turf grasses have a compressed crown that facilitates mowing without cutting off the growing point. In the present context, the term “turf grass” includes areas in which one or more grass species are cultivated to form relatively uniform soil coverage, including blends that are a combination of differing cultivars of the same species, or mixtures that are a combination of differing species and/or cultivars.


Examples of turf grasses include, without limitation:

    • bluegrasses (Poa spp.), such as kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis), Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa), annual bluegrass (Poa annua), upland bluegrass (Poa glaucantha), wood bluegrass (Poa nemoralis), bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa), Big Bluegrass (Poa ampla), Canby Bluegrass (Poa canbyi), Pine Bluegrass (Poa scabrella), Rough Bluegrass (Poa trivialis), Sandberg Bluegrass (Poa secunda);
    • the bentgrasses and Redtop (Agrostis spp.), such as creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris), colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris), velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina), South German Mixed Bentgrass (Agrostis spp. including Agrostis tenius, Agrostis canina, and Agrostis palustris), Redtop (Agrostis alba), Spike Bentgrass (Agrostis exerata);
    • the fescues (Festucu spp.), such as red fescue (Festuca rubra spp. rubra) creeping fescue (Festuca rubra), chewings fescue (Festuca rubra commutata), sheep fescue (Festuca ovina var. ovina), hard fescue (Festuca longifolia), hair fescue (Festucu capillata), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), meadow fescue (Festuca elatior), Arizona Fescue (Festuca arizonica), Foxtail Fescue (Festuca megalura), Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis), Molate Fescue (Fescue rubra);
    • the ryegrasses (Lolium spp.), such as annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum);
    • the wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), such as crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), desert wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum), western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), Intermediate Wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium), Pubescent Wheatgrass (Agropyron trichophorum), Slender Wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum), Streambank Wheatgrass (Agropyron riparium), Tall Wheatgrass (Agropyron elongatum), and Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum);
    • beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata);
    • Brome grasses (Bromus spp.), such as Arizona Brome (Bromus arizonicus), California Brome (Bromus carinatus), Meadow Brome (Bromus biebersteinii), Mountain Brome (Bromus marginatus), Red Brome (Bromus rubens), and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis);
    • cattails such as Timothy (Phleum pratense), and sand cattail (Phleum subulatum); orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata);
    • Alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans);
    • crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus);
    • Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp. such as Cynodon dactylon); hybrid bermudagrass such as tifdwarf bermudagrass, ultradwarf bermudagrass, tifgreen bermudagrass, tifsport bermudagrass, GN-1 bermudagrass, Ormond bermudagrass, and tifway bermudagrass;
    • Zoysiagrasses (Zoysia spp.) such as Zoysia japonica, Zoysia matrella, and Zoysia tenuifolia;
    • St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) such as Bitter Blue St. Augustinegrass, Seville St. Augustinegrass, Floratam St. Augustinegrass, Floralawn St. Augustinegrass, Floratine St. Augustinegrass, Raleigh St. Augustinegrass, and Texas Common St. Augustinegrass;
    • Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides);
    • Carpetgrass (Axonopus fissifolius);
    • Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum);
    • Kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum);
    • Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloids);
    • Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum); Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis); Black Grama (Bouteloua eriopoda); Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula);
    • Sporobolus spp., such as Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airiodes);
    • Sand Dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), and Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis);
    • Hordeum spp., such as California Barley (Hordeum californicum),
    • Common Barley (Hordeum vulgare), and Meadow Barley (Hordeum brachyantherum);
    • Alopecurus spp., such as Creeping Foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceaus), and Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis);
    • Stipa spp., such as Needle & Thread (Stipa comata), Foothill Needlegrass (Stipa lepida), Green Needlegrass (Stipa viridula), Nodding Needlegrass (Stipa cernua), and Purple Needlegrass (Stipa pulchra);
    • Elymus spp., such as Blue Wildrye (Elymus glaucus), Canada Wildrye (Elymus Canadensis), Creeping Wildrye (Elymus triticoides), and Russian Wildrye (Elymus junceus);
    • Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris);
    • Big Quaking Grass (Briza maxima);
    • Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii),
    • Little Bluestem (Schizachyruim scoparium, and Sand Bluestem (Andropogon hallii);
    • Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens);
    • Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides);
    • Galleta (Hilaria jamesii);
    • Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa);
    • Indian Rice Grass (Oryzopsis hymenoides);
    • Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans);
    • Sand Lovegrass (Eragrostis trichodes); Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula);
    • California Melic (Melica californica);
    • Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria pyramidata);
    • Prairie Sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia);
    • Redtop (Agrostis alba);
    • Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea);
    • Sloughgrass (Spartina pectinata);
    • Green Sprangletop (Leptochloa dubia);
    • Bottlebush Squirreltail (Sitanion hystrix);
    • Panicum Switchgrass (virgatum); and
    • Purple Threeawn (Aristida purpurea).


As used herein, the term “controlling infection of a plant by a biotic agent” (and the like) means to diminish, ameliorate, or stabilize the infection and/or any other existing unwanted condition or side effect that is caused by the association of a pest organism with the plant include fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, viroids, virus-like organisms, phytoplasmas, protozoa, nematodes, parasitic plants and insects.


As used herein, the term “control a fungal pathogen of a plant” or “control a disease caused by a fungal pathogen” (and the like) means to diminish, ameliorate, or stabilize the disaease and/or any other existing unwanted condition or side effect that is caused by the association of a fungal pathogen with the plant.


As used herein, the term “controlling infection of a plant by a fungal pathogen” (and the like) means to diminish, ameliorate, or stabilize the infection and/or any other existing unwanted condition or side effect that is caused by the association of a fungal pathogen with the plant.


As used herein, the term “controlling a disease, condition, or injury caused by a pest of a plant” (and the like) means to diminish, ameliorate, or stabilize the disease, condition, or injury and/or any other existing, unwanted condition(s) or side effect(s) that caused by the association of a pest of a plant with the plant.


As used herein, the term “pest of a plant” (and the like) is used to refer to living organisms occurring on plants that are not desired to occur on plants or that cause injury or disease to plants. Examples include fungi, bacteria, viruses, spiders, ticks, mites, nematodes, gastropods and insects.


In certain implementations, the combinations, e.g., fungicidal compositions, exhibit a synergistic response, for example in controlling a fungal pathogen in a crop plant. In certain implementations, the combinations, e.g., fungicidal compositions may be synergistic fungicidal compositions for treating a fungal pathogen in crop plants. In selected implementations, the fungicidal compositions may exhibit a synergistic response, for example in controlling stem rusts in crop plants. As for example is suggested by Burpee and Latin (Plant Disease Vol. 92 No. 4, April 2008, 601-606), the term “synergy”, “synergistic”, or the like, may refer to the interaction of two or more agents so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects, this may include, in the context of the invention, the action of two or more fungicidal agents in which the total response of a fungus to the fungicidal agent combination is greater than the sum of the individual components. Applying the approach to identifying synergy a set out in S. R. Colby, “Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations”, Weeds 15, 20-22 (1967), expected efficacy, E, may be expressed as: E=X+Y(100−X)/100, where X is the efficacy, expressed in % of the untreated control, of a first composition, and Y is the efficacy, expressed in % of the untreated control, of the second composition.


The details of one or more implementations of the combinations and methods described herein are set forth in the accompanying description below. Other features and advantages of the combinations and methods described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.





DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 is an image of a leaf blade of a wheat plant displaying splotch blot disease after inoculation with Bipolaris sorokiniana without prior treatment with a fungicidal composition.



FIG. 2 is an image of a leaf blade of a wheat plant inoculated with Bipolaris sorokiniana following foliar application of a fungicidal composition comprising Civitas™ Harmonizer™, and Folicur™ seven days before inoculation.



FIG. 3 is an image of a leaf blade of a wheat plant inoculated with Bipolaris sorokiniana following soil drench application of a fungicidal composition comprising Civitas™ and Harmonizer™ seven days before inoculation.



FIG. 4 is an image of a leaf blade of a wheat plant displaying splotch blot disease after inoculation with Puccinia triticina without prior treatment with a fungicidal composition.



FIG. 5 is an image of a leaf blade of a wheat plant inoculated with Puccinia triticina following foliar application of a fungicidal composition comprising Civitas™ Harmonizer™, and Folicur™ seven days before inoculation.



FIG. 6 is an image of a leaf blade of a wheat plant inoculated with Puccinia triticina following soil drench application of a fungicidal composition comprising Civitas™ and Harmonizer™ seven days before inoculation.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure features methods for the delivery of combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) that include a paraffinic oil to one or more plants. The methods include applying the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) to one or more plants in a manner that facilitates plant uptake of the paraffinic oil primarily by absorption through root system of the one or more plants. It has been surprisingly found that that the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) applied in this manner are effective for promoting the health of the one or more plants (e.g., at least as effective as a foliar application of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions).


I. Components


[A] Conventional Chemical Fungicides and Other Active Agents


The combinations include isomers such as geometrical isomers, optical isomers based on asymmetric carbon, stereoisomers and tautomers of the compounds described herein and are not limited by the description of the compounds for the sake of convenience.


[1]


In some implementations, the conventional chemical fungicide is a DMI fungicide.


In certain implementations, the DMI fungicide is at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of tetraconazole, tebuconazole, propioconazole, azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, imazalil, oxpoconazole, pefurazoate, prochloraz, triflumizole, fenarimol, nuarimol, triforine, and pyrifenox.


In certain implementations, the DMI fungicide is at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of tetraconazole, tebuconazole, and propioconazole. Tetraconazole can be obtained commercially, for example, as a product identified as Domark™ (available from Valent). Tebuconazole can be obtained commercially, for example, as a product identified as Folicur (available from Bayer Crop Science). Propioconazole can be obtained commercially, for example, in the product identified as Quilt™ (available from Syngenta).


In other implementations, the DMI fungicides described herein can be synthesized using conventional techniques known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry.


In some implementations, the conventional chemical fungicide is a QoI fungicide.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, trifloxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enoxastrobin, famoxadone, fenami done, fenaminostrobin, flufenoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, pyraoxystrobin picoxystrobin, pyrametastrobin, pyribencarb, and triclopyricarb.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, and trifloxystrobin.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is methyl (2E)-2-{2-[(3-butyl-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxymethyl]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate (coumoxystrobin): CAS No. 850881-70-8.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is (E)-2-(methoxyimino)-N-methyl-2-[α-(2,5-xylyloxy)-o-tolyl]acetamide (dimoxystrobin): CAS No. 149961-52-4.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is enoxastrobin. In alternative implementations, the QoI fungicide may be, for example, (RS)-3-anilino-5-methyl-5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione (famoxadone): CAS No. 131807-57-3.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is (S)-1-anilino-4-methyl-2-methylthio-4-phenylimidazolin-5-one (fenamidone): CAS No. 161326-34-7.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is fenaminostrobin.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is flufenoxystrobin.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is methyl (E)-methoxyimino[α-(o-tolyloxy)-o-tolyl]acetate (kresoxim-methyl): CAS No. 143390-89-0.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is (E)-2-(methoxyimino)-N-methyl-2-(2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide (metominostrobin): CAS No. 133408-50-1.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide may be, for example, (2E)-2-(methoxyimino)-2-{2-[(3E,5E,6E)-5-(methoxyimino)-4,6-dimethyl-2,8-dioxa-3,7-diazanona-3,6-dien-1-yl]phenyl}-N-methylacetamide (orysastrobin): CAS No. 248593-16-0.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is methyl (2E)-2-(2-{[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methylpyrazol-5-yl]oxymethyl}phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylate (pyraoxystrobin): CAS No. 862588-11-2.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is methyl (2E)-3-methoxy-2-{2-[6-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridyloxymethyl]phenyl}acrylate (picoxystrobin): CAS No. 117428-22-5.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is pyrametastrobin.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is methyl {2-chloro-5-[(1E)-1-(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethoxyimino)ethyl]benzyl}carbamate (pyribencarb): CAS No. 799247-52-2.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is triclopyricarb.


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is carbamic acid, [2-[[[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]oxy]methyl]-phenyl]methoxy-methyl ester (pyraclostrobin). Pyraclostrobin may be commercially available, for example, as a product identified as Insignia™ (available from BASF Corporation, 26 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709).


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is methyl (E)-2-{2-[6-(2-cyano-phenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxy-acrylate (azoxystrobin). Azoxystrobin may be commercially available, for example, as a product identified as Heritage™ (available from Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., Greensboro, N.C. 27409).


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is [(1E)-[2-[[6-(2-chlorophenoxy)-5-fluoro-4-pyrimidinyl]oxy]phenyl]5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-dioxazin-3-yl]methanone-O-methyloxime] (fluoxastrobin). Fluoxastrobin may be commercially available, for example, as a product identified as Disarm™ (available from Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC, 15401 Weston Parkway, Suite 150, Cary, N.C. 27513).


In certain implementations, the QoI fungicide is benzeneacetic acid, (E,E)-alpha-(methoxyimino)-2((((1-(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethylidene)-amino)oxy)methyl)-methyl ester (trifloxystrobin). Trifloxystrobin may be commercially available, for example, as a product identified as Compass™ (available from Bayer Environmental Science, 2T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709).


In other implementations, the QoI fungicides described herein can be synthesized using conventional techniques known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry.


In some implementations, the other active agent is a Class B gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor (plant growth regulator) that has formula V:




embedded image


wherein:


R3 is 2-pyrazinyl, 3-pyridyl, or 5-pyrimidinyl;


R4 is phenyl, pyridyl, C1-C12 alkyl, or C3-C8 cycloalkyl;


R5 is trifluoromethoxyphenyl, tetrafluoroethoxyphenyl, pentafluoroethoxyphenyl, 3,4-(difluoromethylenedioxy)phenyl, or 2,2,4,4-tetrafluoro-1,3-benzodioxanyl; and


X is hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, or lower alkanoyloxy;


or an acid addition salt thereof.


Examples of such compounds are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,628.


In certain implementations, the compound of formula V is Flurprimidol (CAS No. 56425-91-3; Molecular Formula: C15H15F3N2O2), which as the following chemical structure:




embedded image


Flurprimidol is also known by the following synonyms:

  • (RS)-2-methyl-1-pyrimidin-5-yl-1-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)propan-1-ol;
  • α-(1-methylethyl)-α-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-pyrimidinemethanol;
  • alpha-isopropyl-alpha-(p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-pyrimidinemethanol;
  • (RS)-2-methyl-1-pyrimidin-5-yl-1-(4-trifluoromethoxy)phenylpropan-2-ol;
  • alpha-(1-methylethyl)-alpha-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-pyrimidinemethanol;
  • 5-pyrimidinemethanol, alpha-(1-methylethyl)-alpha-(4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl)-; and
  • 2-methyl-1-pyrimidin-5-yl-1-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]propan-1-ol.


Flurprimidol can be obtained commercially, for example, as a product identified as Cutless™ (available from SePRO Corporation, Carmel, Ind., USA); or synthesized using conventional techniques known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry.


In some implementations, the other active agent is a Class B gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor (plant growth regulator) that has formula VI:




embedded image


wherein:


R6 is alkenyl, alkynyl, or optionally substituted aralkyl;


Y is ═N— or ═C—;


R7 is cycloalkyl, alkyl, or haloalkyl; and


R8 is hydrogen, methyl or alkenyl;


or an ester, an ether, an acid addition salt or a metal complex thereof.


Examples of such compounds are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,405.


In certain implementations, the compound of formula VI is Paclobutrazol (CAS No. 76738-62-0; Molecular Formula: C15H20ClN3O), which as the following chemical structure:




embedded image


Paclobutrazol is also known by the following synonyms:

  • (+/−)-R*,R*-beta-((4-chlorophenyl)methyl)-alpha-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ethanol;
  • (R*,R*)-beta-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-alpha(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol;
  • (R*,R*)-β-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol;
  • 1H-1,2,4-Triazole-1-ethanol, b-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, (R*,R*)-(+−)-;
  • α-tert-butyl-β-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol;
  • (2RS,3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-pentane-3-ol;
  • (αR,βR)-rel-β-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol;
  • 1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl-pentan-3-ol; and
  • (R*,R*)-(+/−)-β-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-α-(1,1dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol;


Paclobutrazol can be obtained commercially, for example, as a product identified as Trimmit™ (available from Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., Greensboro, N.C., USA); or synthesized using conventional techniques known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry.


[2] In some implementations, the other chemical fungicide is methyl benzimidazole carbamate.


In some implementations, the other chemical fungicide is dicarboximide.


[B] Paraffinic Oil


The paraffinic oil confers properties (e.g., fungicidal properties) that are useful for promoting the health of a plant (e.g., crop plant). While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the paraffinic oil is able to provoke an induced systemic resistance (ISR) response, a systemic acquired resistance (SAR), or other defense response in a plant.


[1]


In some implementations, the paraffinic oil includes an oil enriched in paraffin.


In certain implementations, the paraffinic oil includes a paraffin having from 12 carbon atoms to 50 carbon atoms (e.g., 12 carbon atoms to 40 carbon atoms, 16 carbon atoms to 35 carbon atoms, 12 carbon atoms to 21 carbon atoms; e.g., 16 carbon atoms to 35 carbon atoms).


In certain implementations, the paraffinic oil includes a paraffin having an average number of carbon atoms that is less than or equal to about 20 (e.g., 16).


In certain implementations, the paraffinic oil includes a paraffin having an average number of carbon atoms of from 16 to 30 e.g., 23 or 27).


In certain implementations, the paraffinic oil includes a paraffin having from 16 carbon atoms to 35 carbon atoms and an average number of carbon atoms of 23.


In certain implementations, the paraffin is an isoparaffin (e.g., a synthetic isoparaffin manufactured from two-stage Severe Hydrocracking/Hydroisomerization process).


In some implementations, a paraffin is present in the paraffinic oil in an amount, that is at least 80% (e.g., at least 90%, at least 99%).


[2]


In some implementations, the paraffinic oil has been refined to remove compounds that are associated with plant injury, for example, aromatic compounds or compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen. In certain implementations, the paraffinic oil includes relatively low levels of aromatic compounds and/or compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen, e.g., less than 10 weight percent (less than 5 weight percent, less than 2 weight percent, less than 0.5 weight percent) of aromatic compounds and/or compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen.


[3]


Non-limiting examples of suitable paraffinic oils include, HT60, HT100, High Flash Jet, LSRD, and N65DW (available from Petro-Canada, Calgary, AB, Canada).


[C] Emulsifier


In some implementations, the combinations include both paraffinic oil, emulsifier, and water. It can be advantageous to store and/or apply such combinations as oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.


Emulsions tend to be thermodynamically unstable due to excess free energy associated with the surface of the dispersed droplets such that the particles tend to flocculate (clumping together of dispersed droplets or particles) and subsequently coalesce (fusing together of agglomerates into a larger drop or droplets) to decrease the surface energy. If these droplets fuse, the emulsion will “break” (i.e., the phases will separate) destroying the emulsion, which in some cases can be detrimental to the storage shelf-life of the combinations. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the addition of one (or more) emulsifying agents or emulsifiers can prevent or slow the “breaking” of an emulsion. As the skilled artisan will appreciate, the type and concentration of a particular emulsifying agent will depend, inter alia, on the emulsion phase components and the desired result.


[1]


In some implementations, the emulsifier is a “fast break” or “quick break” emulsifier. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a “fast break” or “quick break” emulsifier allows the paraffinic oil to be quickly released from the O/W emulsion upon application to the turfgrass for contact, e.g., with a fungal pathogen. When a “fast break” or “quick break” emulsifier is present in a suitable amount (for example a selected proportion or ratio with respect to the paraffinic oil), the resulting “fast break” or “quick break” O/W emulsion quickly releases the oil phase upon application to the turfgrass. As such, there is less runoff of the O/W emulsion from the grass blades (as compared to more stable O/W emulsions) resulting in more oil adhering to the turfgrass for a longer period of time to more effectively contact and control, e.g., associated fungal pathogen. In certain implementations, the oil phase resides on the turfgrass for a period of not less than one hour. In certain implementations, the oil phase resides on the turfgrass for a period of from not less than 1 hour but not more than 30 days. In certain implementations, the “fast break” or “quick break” emulsion may be, for example, an emulsion having an oil phase that, after mixing with water, is reconstituted in 0.5 to 15 minutes according to the following test:

    • 1. Fill 100 mL graduated cylinder with tap water.
    • 2. Add 1 mL of emulsified oil.
    • 3. Invert graduated cylinder 5 times.
    • 4. Using a stop watch and human observation, measure how long it takes for the oil phase to reconstitute after inversion (step 3).


In some implementations, the oil phase is reconstituted in from 2 minutes to 5 minutes according to the test described above. In some instances, the “fast break” or “quick break” property of the O/W emulsion is balanced with the need to provide an O/W emulsion with a suitable shelf life under suitable storing conditions, and for a suitable timeframe.


[2]


In some implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) one (or more of the following) a natural or synthetic alcohol ethoxylate, an alcohol alkoxylate, an alkyl polysaccharide, a glycerol oleate, a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, an alkyl phenol ethoxylate, a polymeric surfactant, a polyethylene glycol, a sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylate, or any combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) a natural or synthetic alcohol ethoxylate, a polymeric surfactant, a sorbitan fatty acid ester, or any combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the natural or synthetic alcohol ethoxylate is a polyoxyethylene (4 to 12) lauryl ether (C12), polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (C16), polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl ether (C18), polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether (C18 mono-unsaturated), a polyoxyethylene (2 to 11) C12-C15 alcohol, a polyoxyethylene (3 to 9) C11-C14 alcohol, a polyoxyethylene (9) C12-C14 alcohol, a polyoxyethylene (11) C16-C18 alcohol, a polyoxyethylene (20) C12-C15 alcohol, or any combination thereof. For example, the natural or synthetic alcohol ethoxylate can be a polyoxyethylene (4 to 7) lauryl ether (C12), polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (C16), a polyoxyethylene (2 to 11) C12-C15 alcohol, a polyoxyethylene (3 to 9) C11-C14 alcohol, a polyoxyethylene (9) C12-C14 alcohol, or any combination thereof. As another example, the alcohol alkoxylate can be a butyl ether polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymer.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) an alkyl polysaccharide, e.g., a C8-C11 alkylpolysaccharide or any combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) a glycerol oleate, e.g., a glycerol mono-, di-, tri-oleate, or any combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, e.g., a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having a molecular weight (or relative molar mass) of from 1100 to about 11400 and 10 to 80% (ethylene oxide) EO.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) an alkyl phenol ethoxylate, e.g., a nonyl phenol ethoxylate, a dodecyl phenol ethoxylate, or any combination thereof. For example, the nonyl phenol ethoxylate can be a polyoxyethylene (2 to 8) nonylphenol.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) a polymeric surfactant, e.g., a graft copolymer, a random copolymer, or any combination thereof. For example, the graft copolymer can be a polymethacrylic acid and acrylate with polyoxyethylene chains. For example, the random copolymer can be a random copolymer having ester and ether groups.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) a polyethylene glycol, e.g., a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight (“MW”) (or relative molar mass) of from 200 to 8000, e.g., MW 400 PEG dioleate; or MW600 PEG dioleate.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) a sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylate, e.g., polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene (5) sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate, or any combination thereof. For example, the sorbitan fatty acid ester can be a sorbitan tristearate, a sorbitan triolate, or any combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) an alkyl phenol ethoxylate, a mixture of an ethoxylated alcohol and a glycerol oleate, or any combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) a mixture of an ethoxylated alcohol and a glycerol oleate, e.g.: a C10 to C16 alcohol ethoxylate and a glycerol oleate combination; or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, C10 to C16 alcohol ethoxylates, and glycerol oleate; or ethoxylated alcohols having primary C5-C20 carbon chains with an average of about 2 to about 7 ethoxylation groups, and a glycerol oleate; or a polyoxyethylene (11) C16-18 alcohol.


In certain implementations, the emulsifier is (or includes) a sorbitan tristearate.


Non-limiting examples of suitable emulsifiers include AL3149 (available from Uniqema), AL3313 (available from Uniqema), PC Emuls Green (available from Petro-Canada, Calgary, AB, Canada), Lutensol™ AT11 (available from BASF), SPAN65 (available from Uniqema), and S-MAZ™65 K (available from BASF).


[3]


In some implementations, the weight ratio of the paraffinic oil to the emulsifier is from 10:1 to 500:1 (e.g., from 98:2 to 99.9:0.1, from 98:2 to 99.5:0.5). By way of example, the weight ratio of the paraffinic oil to the emulsifier can be 95:5, 98:2, 98.5:1.5, 99:1, 99.5:0.5.


[D] Pigment


In some implementations, the combinations can include one (or more) pigments. The pigments can provide color to the plant being treated (e.g., turf grass) and/or in some implementations, the pigment(s) and the paraffinic oil can exhibit a greater than additive effect in promoting the health of a plant (e.g., controlling a fungal pathogen of a plant; see, for example, WO 2009/155693).


In some implementations, the pigment is a water-based pigment dispersion.


In some implementations, the pigment is an oil-based pigment dispersion.


In some implementations, the pigment is a phthalocyanine compound.


In certain implementations, the pigment is a metal-free phthalocyanine compound. In certain implementations, the pigment is a halogenated, metal-free phthalocyanine, e.g., a polychlorinated metal-free phthalocyanine.


In certain implementations, the pigment is a metal phthalocyanine compound.


In certain implementations, the pigment is a copper phthalocyanine.


In certain implementations, the copper phthalocyanine is a non-halogenated copper phthalocyanine, e.g., a nonchlorinated copper phthalocyanine. As an example, the pigment can be Phthalocyanine Blue BN (CAS 147-14-8).


In certain implementations, the copper phthalocyanine is a halogenated copper phthalocyanine. As an example, the pigment can be Phthalocyanine Green 6G (CAS 14302-13-7). As another example, the pigment can be polychlorinated (Cu II) phthalocyanine, such as Phthalocyanine Green G (CAS 1328-45-6 and 1328-53-6).


Non-limiting examples of suitable pigments include Sunsperse™ Green 7 (Pigment Green 7 dispersed in water, available from Sun Chemical Corp. Performance Pigments Cincinnati, Ohio, USA), Sunsperse™ EXP 006-102 and 006-95B (Pigment Green 7 dispersed in oil, available from Sun Chemical Corp. Performance Pigments, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA), and Pigment Green 7 powder (available from Hercules Exports, Mumbai, India).


[E] Silicone Surfactant


In some implementations, it can be advantageous to further include one (or more) silicone surfactants in combinations that further include one or more pigments.


[1]


In some implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether having a suitable alkoxy group with hydrogen end groups (H-capped), methyl end groups (CH3-capped), or acetyl end groups (COCH3-capped). In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a trisiloxane having a suitable alkoxy group with hydrogen end groups (H-capped), methyl end groups (CH3-capped), or acetyl end groups (COCH3-capped).


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether of the formula I:




embedded image


in which R is H, CH3 or COCH3; x is 1 to 24; and n is 0 or 1.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether of the formula I wherein R═H; x=1 to 24; and n=0; e.g., a silicone polyether of the formula I wherein n=0; x=1-24; the average x=8-10; and R═H.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether of the formula I wherein R═H; x=1 to 24; and n≥1.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether of the formula I wherein R═CH3; x=1 to 24; and n=0.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether of the formula I wherein R═CH3; x=1 to 24; and n≥1.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether of the formula I wherein R═COCH3; x=1 to 24; and n=0; e.g., a silicone polyether of the formula I wherein n=0; x=1-24, the average x=8-10; and R═COCH3.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether of the formula I wherein R═COCH3; x=1 to 24; and n≥1.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) an H-capped dimethyl methyl (polyethylene oxide) silicone polymer; e.g., having a molecular weight (or relative molar mass) from 200 to 6000.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone polyether of the formula II:




embedded image


wherein c=2-16; and b=2-70. In certain implementations, the average b=44. In certain implementations, the average c=10. In certain implementations, the average b=44, and the average c=10.


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) an H-capped trisiloxane, such as a silicone polyether of the formula III:




embedded image


wherein d=1-24. In certain implementations, d=1-20. In certain implementations, the average d=8-10 (e.g., 8).


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a silicone copolyol, containing a hydrogen end group and one pendant polyethylene oxide group and has an average molecular weight between about 600 to about 1000 Daltons. In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a trisiloxane with an ethoxylated alkyl group having a hydrogen end group (H-End); e.g., having a number of ethoxylation groups in the range of 1-20. In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant the silicone surfactant is (or includes) a methyl (propylhydroxide, ethoxylated) bis (trimethylsiloxy) silane; e.g., a dimethyl, methyl (polyethylene oxide) silicone polymer.


[2]


In some implementations, commercial preparations of the silicone surfactants may or may not contain small amounts of polyethylene glycols (PEG) or other low molecular weight polydimethyl siloxanes (PDMS).


In some implementations, the silicone surfactant further includes a polyethylene glycol.


In certain implementations, the polyethylene glycol is (or includes) a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV:





R1—O—(CH2CH2O)f—R2


wherein R1═H or CH2═CH—CH2 or COCH3; R2═H or CH2═CH—CH2 or COCH3; and f≥1.


In certain implementations, the polyethylene glycol has a relatively low molecular weight, e.g. from 300 Daltons to 1500 Daltons. In certain implementations, the polyethylene glycol is a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol allyl ether, such as a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol mono-allyl ether having an average molecular of from about 300 to about 600 Daltons and having from 1 to 20 moles of ethylene glycol with an average ethylene oxide unit (EO) of 8 to 10.


In certain implementations, the polyethylene glycol is (or includes) a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV wherein R1═CH2═CH—CH2, R2═H, and f=1-20 with an average f=8, a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV wherein R1═CH2═CH—CH2 or COCH3, and R2═COCH3, a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV wherein R1═CH2═CH—CH2, and R2═H, or any combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the polyethylene glycol is (or includes) a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV wherein R1═CH2═CH—CH2 or COCH3, and R2═COCH3, a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV wherein R1═CH2═CH—CH2, and R2═H, or any combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the polyethylene glycol is (or includes) a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV wherein R1═CH2═CH—CH2, R2═H, and f=1-20 with an average f=8.


In certain implementations, the polyethylene glycol is (or includes) a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV wherein R1═CH2═CH—CH2 or COCH3, and R2═COCH3.


In certain implementations, the polyethylene glycol is (or includes) a polyethylene glycol of the formula IV wherein R1═CH2═CH—CH2, and R2═H.


Non-limiting examples of suitable polyethylene glycols may include Polyglykol A500 (available from Clariant).


In certain implementations, the silicone surfactant includes from 10 to 30 weight percent of a polyethylene glycol as described anywhere herein.


[3]


Non-limiting examples of suitable silicone surfactants may include Sylgard 309 (available from Dow Corning, Midland, Mich., USA), Silfsurf™ A008-UP (available from Siltech Corp. Toronto, ON, Canada), Lambent MFF 199 SW (available from Lambent Technologies Corp., Gurnee, Ill., USA), and Lambent MFF 159-100 (available from Lambent Technologies Corp., Gurnee, Ill., USA).


[F] Anti-Settling Agent


In some implementations, the combination can include one (or more) “anti-settling agents,” which reduce the likelihood of having solids suspended in a dispersion from settling out under the influence of gravity.


In some implementations, the anti-setting agent is (or includes) a metal oxide and/or an organically modified clay.


In some implementations, the anti-setting agent is (or includes) a metal oxide.


In certain implementations, the anti-setting agent is (or includes) a fumed metal oxide and/or a precipitated metal oxide.


In certain implementations, the anti-setting agent is (or includes) one or more of the following forms of silica: precipitated silica (e.g., an untreated, precipitated silica) or fumed silica (e.g., an untreated, fumed silica). As used herein, the term “untreated fumed silica”, or the like, is used to refer to a hydrophilic fumed silica. As used herein, the term “treated fumed silica”, or the like, is used to refer to a hydrophobic fumed silica.


In some implementations, the anti-settling agent is (or includes) an organically modified clay. In certain implementations, the anti-setting agent is (or includes) one or more of the following organically modified clays: an organically modified smectite clay, an organically modified hectorite clay, an organically modified bentonite clay, an organically modified montmorillonite clay and an organically modified attapulgite clay.


In certain implementations, the organically modified clay is activated by a chemical activator.


In certain implementations, the chemical activator includes a low-molecular-weight polar organic compound, e.g., a least one compound selected from the group consisting of a low-molecular weight ketone, a low-molecular weight alcohol and propylene carbonate.


In certain implementations, the chemical activator includes water and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a low-molecular weight ketone, a low-molecular weight alcohol and propylene carbonate.


In certain implementations, the chemical activator includes a low-molecular weight ketone; or a low-molecular weight ketone and water (such as a low molecular weight ketone and water in a weight ratio of 95/5). An example of a low-molecular weight ketone is acetone.


In certain implementations, the chemical activator includes a low-molecular weight alcohol; or a low-molecular weight alcohol and water (such as a low-molecular weight alcohol and water in a weight ratio of 95/5). Examples of low-molecular weight alcohols include methanol or ethanol.


In certain implementations, the chemical activator includes propylene carbonate; or propylene carbonate and water (such as, propylene carbonate and water in a weight ratio of 95/5).


[G] Water


In some implementations, the combinations can further include water.


In some implementations, the pigment is dispersed in water before it is added to the remaining components of the combination (typically water is 1:1 weight percent with with pigment), resulting in, e.g., the presence of 3 parts per weight of water in the combination.


In some implementations, the combinations can further include water, e.g., as a diluent, e.g., as a diluent added prior to application of the combinations to a plant (e.g., a turfgrass).


In some implementations, the combinations can further include both sources of water described above.


In some implementations the water is distilled water and/or other waters having a low mineral electrolyte content.


[H] Other Components


In some implementations, the combinations further include one or more other components that are customary additives or adjuvants for the preparation of compositions in the field of crop protection and/or components that are inert (e.g., may not materially affect the activity and/or overall performance of the combinations) and/or one or more other active components. As an example, the combinations can further include customary additives or adjuvants that may be present in a commercially available conventional chemical fungicide.


In some implementations, the combinations include only combinations of the components set forth is sections [A] through [G] above.


In certain implementations, the combinations do not include one or more other components that are customary additives or adjuvants for the preparation of compositions in the field of crop protection and/or components that are inert (e.g., may not materially affect the activity and/or overall performance of the combinations) and/or one or more other active components that are other than conventional chemical fungicides.


In certain implementations, the combinations are free of one or more other components that are customary additives or adjuvants for the preparation of compositions in the field of crop protection and/or components that are inert (e.g., may not materially affect the activity and/or overall performance of the combinations) and/or one or more other active components that are other than conventional chemical fungicides; (e.g., the combinations contain less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1% (w/w or w/v) of one or more other components that are customary additives or adjuvants for the preparation of compositions in the field of turf or field crop protection and/or components that are inert (e.g., may not materially affect the activity and/or overall performance of the combinations) and/or one or more other active components that are other than conventional chemical fungicides.


In some implementations, the combinations are substantially free of one or more other components that are customary additives or adjuvants for the preparation of compositions in the field of crop protection and/or components that are inert (e.g., may not materially affect the activity and/or overall performance of the combinations) and/or one or more other active components that are other than conventional chemical fungicides (e.g., the combinations contain less than 0.5%, less than 0.2, less than 0.1, less than 0.05% (w/w or w/v), do not include a detectable amount of one or more other components that are customary additives or adjuvants for the preparation of compositions in the field of turf or field crop protection and/or components that are inert (e.g., may not materially affect the activity and/or overall performance of the combinations) and/or one or more other that are other than conventional chemical fungicides.


II. Non-Limiting Combinations of Components


[A] Combinations that include a single composition


[1]


In some implementations, the combinations can be in the form of a single composition (e.g., contained within a storage pack or a vessel suitable for applying the composition to a plant, e.g., turf grass). These compositions are sometimes referred to herein (without limitation, e.g., as to quantity or application mode) as a 1-pack formulations or concentrates in the absence of water for dilution.


In some implementations, the composition includes one (or more) paraffinic oils, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][B][1], [I][B][2], and [I][B][3] above.


In some implementations, the combination further includes (but is not limited to) one or more of the following:


(ii) one (or more) conventional chemical fungicides, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][A][1] and/or [I][A][2] (e.g., one or more DMI fungicides and/or one or more QoI fungicides);


(iii) one (or more) emulsifiers, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [1][C][1], [1][C][2], and [1][C][3] above;


(iv) one (or more) pigments which can include any one or more of the features described in section [I][D] above;


(v) one (or more) silicone surfactants, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][E][1], [I][E][2], and [I][E][3] above;


(vi) one (or more) anti-settling agents, which can include any one or more of the features described in section [I][D] above; and


(vii) one (or more) components described in section [I][H].


In some implementations, the composition includes (i) and (iii).


In some implementations, the composition includes (i), (iii), and (vi).


In some implementations, the composition includes (i), (iii), (iv), and (v).


In some implementations, the composition includes (i), (iii), (iv), (v), and (vi).


In some implementations, the composition includes (i), (ii), and (iii).


In some implementations, the composition includes (i), (ii), (iii), and (vi).


In some implementations, the composition includes (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v).


In some implementations, the composition includes (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), and (vi).


[2] Concentrates


In some of the implementations described in section [II][A][1], one or more of the following applies:


(2-a) the weight ratio of paraffinic oil to the emulsifier is from 10:1 to 500:1 (e.g., from 45:1 to 55:1, e.g., 49:1, 50:1); (2-b) the weight ratio of paraffinic oil to the pigment is from 1:5 to 100:1 (e.g., from 25:1 to 35:1, e.g., 28:1, 30:1);


(2-c) the weight ratio of pigment to the silicone surfactant is from 2:1 to 50:1 (e.g., from 3:1 to 6:1, e.g., 4.5:1);


(2-d) the weight ratio of paraffinic oil to the conventional chemical fungicide (e.g., one or more DMI fungicides and/or one or more QoI fungicides) is from 2:1 to 10000:1 (e.g., from 100:1 to 160:1; from 90:1 to 120:1, e.g., 111:1, 110:1; from 130:1 to 150:1, e.g., 139:1, 140:1).


In certain implementations, (2-a) applies; or (2-a), (2-b) and (2-c) apply; or (2-b), and (2-c) apply. In certain implementations, (2-d) further applies to any one of the above-listed combinations of (2-a), (2-b) and (2-c).


In some of the implementations described in section [II][A][1], one or more of the following applies:


(2-aa) the concentrate includes from 50 to 300 parts per weight (e.g., 200-300, e.g., 260; e.g., 50-150, e.g., 100) parts per weight of the paraffinic oil;


(2-bb) the concentrate includes from 1 to 10 parts per weight (e.g., 3-7, e.g., 5; e.g., 1-5, e.g., 1.9, e.g., 2) parts per weight of the emulsifier;


(2-cc) the concentrate includes from 1 to 15 parts per weight (e.g., 7-11, e.g., 9; e.g., 2-5, e.g., 3.5) parts per weight of the pigment;


(2-dd) the concentrate includes from 0.1 to 10 parts per weight (e.g., 0.5-1, e.g., 0.8, e.g., e.g., 2-5, e.g., 3.1) parts per weight of the silicone surfactant;


(2-ee) the concentrate includes from 0.5 to 20 parts per weight (e.g., 6-10, e.g., 8; e.g., 2-5, e.g., 3.1) parts per weight of the anti-settling agent; or


(2-ff) the concentrate includes from 0.01 to 10 parts per weight (e.g., 0.5-1, e.g., 0.8, e.g., e.g., 1-3, e.g., 2) parts per weight of the conventional chemical fungicide.


In certain implementations, (2-aa) and (2-bb) apply; or (2-cc) and (2-dd) apply; or (2-aa), (2-bb), and (2-ff) apply; or (2-cc), (2-dd), and (2-ff) apply; or (2-aa), (2-bb), (2-cc), and (2-dd) apply, or (2-aa), (2-bb), (2-cc), (2-dd), and (2-ff) apply. In certain implementations, (2-ee) further applies to each of the above-listed implementations.


In some implementations, any one or more of the features described in one or more of (2-a) and (2-d) can be combined with any one or more of the features described in one or more of (2-aa) and (2-ff).


In some implementations, the pigment is dispersed in compatible oil, e.g., a paraffinic oil, e.g., the same paraffinic oil as is used to provide the fungicidal properties as described herein, for addition to the other components of the combinations described herein. In certain implementations, a silicone surfactant and/or emulsifier and/or anti-settling agent can be included, e.g., to stabilize the pigment in the oil-based combination.


For example, polychlorinated Cu (II) phthalocyanine can be dispersed in a paraffinic oil, such as N65DW (available from Petro-Canada) to provide about 18% polychlorinated CU (II) phthalocyanine (SUNSPERSE® EXP 006-102, available from Sun Chemical Corp. Performance Pigments, Cincinnati, Ohio USA) prior to mixing with the remaining components. In certain implementations, a silicone surfactant and/or emulsifier and/or anti-settling agent can be included. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the addition of these components can provide an intermolecular hydrophilic and lipophilic balance within the fungicidal formulation so as to substantially prevent the polychlorinated Cu (II) phthalocyanine from separating out of suspension during application, e.g., to a turf grass.


In some of the implementations described in section [II][A][1], the composition includes the components present in Civitas™ 1-pack and those present in commercially available conventional chemical fungicides described anywhere herein.


[3]


In some of the implementations described in sections [II][A][1] and [II][A][2], the composition further includes water. In certain implementations, weight percent ratio of the undiluted composition to water is from 1:1 to 1:100 (e.g., from 1-50, 1-30, 1-20, 1-15). In certain implementations, the weight percent of the paraffinic oil in the diluted compositions is from 2 to 50 weight percent (e.g., 15%). In certain implementations, the composition is in the form of an oil in water emulsion as described anywhere herein.


In some implementations, the pigment is dispersed in water for addition to the other components of the combinations described herein. In certain implementations, a silicone surfactant and/or emulsifier and/or anti-settling agent can be included, e.g., to stabilize the pigment in the oil/water-based combination.


For example, polychlorinated Cu (II) phthalocyanine can be dispersed in a water to provide about 40% polychlorinated CU (II) phthalocyanine (SUNSPERSE® GREEN 7, available from Sun Chemical Corp. Performance Pigments, Cincinnati, Ohio USA) prior to mixing with the remaining components. In certain implementations, a silicone surfactant and/or emulsifier and/or anti-settling agent can be included. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the addition of these components can provide an intermolecular network so as to substantially prevent the polychlorinated Cu (II) phthalocyanine from separating out of suspension during application, e.g., to a turf grass.


[B] Combinations that Include Two or More Compositions


[1]


In some implementations, the combinations include two or more separately contained (e.g., packaged) compositions, each containing one or more of the components described in sections [I][A]-[I][F] and [i][H]. These implementations are sometimes referred to (as appropriate and without limitation, e.g., as to quantity or application mode) as 2-pack and 3-pack formulations, compositions, or concentrates in the absence of water for dilution.


In some implementations, the combinations include a first and separately contained composition and a second and separately contained composition, in which:


(1) the first and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) paraffinic oils, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][B][1], [I][B][2], and [I][B][3] above;
    • one (or more) conventional chemical fungicides, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][A][1] and/or [I][A][2] (e.g., one or more DMI fungicides and/or one or more QoI fungicides); and
    • one (or more) emulsifiers, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][C][1], [C][2], and [I][C][3] above; and


(2) the second and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) pigments, which can include any one or more of the features described in section [I][D] above and
    • one (or more) silicone surfactants, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][E][1], [I][E][2], and [I][E][3] above.


In some implementations, the combinations include a first and separately contained composition and a second and separately contained composition, in which:


(1) the first and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) paraffinic oils, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][B][1], [I][B][2], and [I][B][3] above;
    • one (or more) emulsifiers, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][C][l], [I][C][2], and [I][C][3] above;
    • one (or more) pigments, which can include any one or more of the features described in section [I][D] above;
    • one (or more) silicone surfactants, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][E][1], [I][E][2], and [I][E][3] above; and
    • one (or more) anti-settling agents, which can include any one or more of the features described in section [I][D] above; and


(2) the second and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) conventional chemical fungicides, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][A][1] and/or [I][A][2] (e.g., one or more DMI fungicides and/or one or more QoI fungicides).


In some implementations, the combinations include a first and separately contained composition and a second and separately contained composition, in which:


(1) the first and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) paraffinic oils, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][B][1], [I][B][2], and [I][B][3] above; and
    • one (or more) emulsifiers, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][C][1], [C][2], and [I][C][3] above;


(2) the second and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) conventional chemical fungicides, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][A][1] and/or [I][A][2] (e.g., one or more DMI fungicides and/or one or more QoI fungicides);
    • one (or more) pigments, which can include any one or more of the features described in section [I][D] above; and
    • one (or more) silicone surfactants, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][E][1], [I][E][2], and [I][E][3] above.


In some implementations, the combinations include a first and separately contained composition and a second and separately contained composition, in which:


(1) the first and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) paraffinic oils, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][B][1], [I][B][2], and [I][B][3] above; and
    • one (or more) emulsifiers, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][C][l], [I][C][2], and [I][C][3] above;


(2) the second and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) pigments, which can include any one or more of the features described in section [I][D] above; and
    • one (or more) silicone surfactants, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][E][1], [I][E][2], and [I][E][3] above.


In some implementations, the combinations include a first and separately contained composition, a second and separately contained composition, and a third and separately contained composition, wherein:


(1) the first and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) paraffinic oils, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][B][1], [I][B][2], and [I][B][3] above; and
    • one (or more) emulsifiers, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][C][1], [I][C][2], and [I][C][3] above; and


(2) the second and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) pigments, which can include any one or more of the features described in section [I][D] above and
    • one (or more) silicone surfactants, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][E][1], [I][E][2], and [I][E][3] above; and


(3) the third and separately contained composition includes:

    • one (or more) conventional chemical fungicides, which can include any one or more of the features described in any one or more of sections [I][A][1] and/or [I][A][2] (e.g., one or more DMI fungicides and/or one or more QoI fungicides).


[2] Component Amounts in Combinations Having Two or More Composition (Concentrates)


In some of the implementations described in section [II][B][1], one or more of the following applies:


(2-aaa) the weight ratio of paraffinic oil to the emulsifier is from 10:1 to 500:1 (e.g., from 45:1 to 55:1, e.g., 49:1, 50:1);


(2-bbb) the weight ratio of paraffinic oil in a composition to the pigment (in the same or a different composition) is from 1:5 to 100:1 (e.g., from 25:1 to 35:1, e.g., 28:1, 30:1);


(2-ccc) the weight ratio of pigment to the silicone surfactant is from 2:1 to 50:1 (e.g., from 3:1 to 6:1, e.g., 4.5:1);


(2-ddd) the weight ratio of paraffinic oil in a composition to the weight ratio of paraffinic oil to the conventional chemical fungicide (e.g., one or more DMI fungicides and/or one or more QoI fungicides) in the same or a different composition is from 2:1 to 10,000:1 (e.g., from 100:1 to 160:1; from 90:1 to 120:1, e.g., 111:1, 110:1; from 130:1 to 150:1, e.g., 139:1, 140:1).


In certain implementations, (2-aaa) applies; or (2-aaa), (2-bbb) and (2-ccc) apply; or (2-bbb), and (2-ccc) apply. In certain implementations, (2-ddd) further applies to any one of the above-listed combinations of (2-aaa), (2-bbb) and (2-ccc).


In some of the implementations described in section [II][B][1], one or more of the following applies:


(2-aaaa) the composition (concentrate) includes from 50 to 300 parts per weight (e.g., 100) parts per weight of the paraffinic oil;


(2-bbbb) the composition (concentrate) includes from 1 to 10 parts per weight (e.g., 1.9, e.g., 2) parts per weight of the emulsifier;


(2-cccc) the composition (concentrate) includes from 1 to 10 parts per weight (e.g., 3.5) parts per weight of the pigment;


(2-dddd) the composition (concentrate) includes from 0.1 to 10 parts per weight (e.g., 0.8) parts per weight of the silicone surfactant;


(2-eeee) the composition (concentrate) includes from 0.5 to 20 parts per weight (e.g., 3.1) parts per weight of the anti-settling agent; or


(2-ffff) the composition (concentrate) includes from 0.01 to 10 parts per weight (e.g., 0.8) parts per weight of the conventional chemical fungicide (e.g., one or more DMI fungicides and/or one or more QoI fungicides).


In certain implementations, (2-aaaa) and (2-bbbb) apply; or (2-aaaa) through (2-eeee) apply; or (2-ffff) applies; or (2-cccc), (2-dddd), and (2-ffff) apply; or (2-cccc) and (2-dddd) apply.


In certain implementations, (2-aaaa) through (2-eeee) apply in a composition (concentrate), and (2-ffff) applies in another composition (concentrate).


In certain implementations, (2-aaaa) and (2-bbbb) apply in a composition (concentrate), and (2-cccc), (2-dddd), and (2-ffff) apply in another composition (concentrate).


In certain implementations, (2-aaaa) and (2-bbbb) apply in a composition (concentrate), and (2-cccc) and (2-dddd) apply in another composition (concentrate).


In certain implementations, (2-aaaa) through (2-eeee) apply in a composition (concentrate), (2-cccc) and (2-dddd) apply in a second composition (concentrate), and (2-ffff) applies in a third composition (concentrate).


In some implementations, any one or more of the features described in one or more of (2-aaa) and (2-ddd) can be combined with any one or more of the features described in one or more of (2-aaaa) and (2-ffff).


In some of the implementations described in section [II][B][1], the second composition can further include water (e.g., resulting in a dispersion of the pigment in the water).


In some of the implementations described in section [II][B][1], the first and second composition include the components present in Civitas™ 2-pack (Civitas™/Harmonizer™ 16:1) and those present in commercially available conventional chemical fungicides described anywhere herein.


In some of the implementations described in section [II][B][1], the first and second composition include the components present in Civitas™ 2-pack (Civitas™/Harmonizer™ 16:1), and the third composition includes the components present in commercially available conventional chemical fungicides described anywhere herein.


[3]


In some of the implementations described in sections [II][B][1] and [II][B][2], each of the compositions, independently, further includes water. In certain implementations, the combination of compositions (concentrates) described above are combined and diluted with water ((e.g., volume of the diluted end product is 100 to 800 gal/acre, e.g., 200 to 400 gal/acre). In certain implementations, oil in the end product is from 80 to 640 oz/acre (other components can be calculated based on ratio with oil).


[C] As the skilled artisan will appreciate, the weight percent of a given component(s) can vary, e.g., due to dilution with water or whether the combination is in the form of a single composition or two or more separately contained compositions. In some implementations, the weight ratio of any two or more components is essentially the same regardless of whether the combination is in the form of a single composition (diluted with water or undiluted) or in the form two or more separately contained compositions (diluted with water or undiluted). In the latter case, this can be achieved by adjusting the component amounts in each of the separately contained compositions to match, for example, a weight percent ratio employed in single composition combination.


III. Application of Combinations


[A]


In some implementations, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) described herein can be applied by contacting the surface of the growing medium with a combination as described anywhere herein (e.g., by pouring), contacting an area that is beneath the surface of the growing medium with a combination as described anywhere herein, or any combination thereof.


In some implementations, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can be applied to a growing medium that is in proximity to a base and root system of the plant, wherein the amount of the composition that is applied to the growing medium is sufficient to penetrate the growing medium and contact the root tissue for uptake by the plant.


In certain implementations, the growing medium (e.g., soil) can include any surface of the growing medium that is from 0 inches to six feet (e.g., 0 inches to five feet, 0 inches to four feet, 0 inches to three feet, 0 inches to two feet, 0 inches to 12 inches, 0 inches to six inches, 0 inches to one inch, 0 inches to 0.5 inch) from the base of the plant and any growing medium that is from 0 inches to 24 inches beneath said surface of the growing medium. In other implementations, the length of the surface of the growing medium can be determined on the basis of the height of the plant, e.g., can correspond to the shade radius of the plant (i.e., the distance around the plant that is shaded during daylight hours due to the height of the plant).


In certain implementations, when the plant is a tree, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can be applied to the trunk of the tree.


In general, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) are applied in an amount that is greater than the amount, which would contact the growing medium by run-off after spraying the ariel portions of the plant with the same amount of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions).


For example, the plant can be a crop plant (e.g., wheat, barley, soybean, tomatoes, potatoes, or corn, or any combination thereof; e.g., wheat or tomatoes). In certain implementations, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) further includes from 50 to 99 parts per weight of water (e.g., the composition can be an oil-in-water emulsion). In certain implementations, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can be applied at a rate of from 100 gal/acre to 800 gal/acre (e.g., 200 gal/acre to 400 gal/acre). In certain implementations, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) further includes from 50 to 99 parts per weight of water (e.g., the composition can be an oil-in-water emulsion), and the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can be applied at a rate of from 100 gal/acre to 800 gal/acre (e.g., 200 gal/acre to 400 gal/acre). In certain implementations, the oil can be applied at a rate of from 1 gal/acre to 20 gal/acre.


As another example, the plant can be a tree (e.g., a maple tree, a citrus tree, an apple tree, a pear tree, an oak tree, an ash tree, a pine tree, or a spruce tree, or any combination thereof; e.g., a maple tree). In certain implementations, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) further includes from 5 to 99 parts per weight of water (e.g., the composition can be an oil-in-water emulsion). In certain implementations, the oil can be added at a rate of from 1 oz to 2 gallons of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) per inch of tree diameter. In certain implementations, the composition further includes from 5 to 99 parts per weight of water (e.g., the composition can be an oil-in-water emulsion), and the oil can be added at a rate of from 1 oz to 2 gallons of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) per inch of tree diameter.


In some implementations, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can be applied over a time period of at least ten seconds (e.g., at least five seconds, at least two seconds).


In some implementations, the aerial exterior portion of the plant is free (e.g., contains less than 5%, or 4%, or 3%, or 2%, or 1%, or 0%) of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) during application of the composition to the root tissue. In certain implementations, the composition is not applied to any aerial portion of the plant during application of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) to the root tissue.


In some implementations, the aerial exterior portion of the plant is free (e.g., contains less than 5%, or 4%, or 3%, or 2%, or 1%, or 0%) of the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions). In certain implementations, the composition is not applied to any aerial portion of the plant.


In some implementations, the method can further include applying one or more conventional chemical fungicides to the plant (e.g., the one or more conventional chemical fungicides can be applied to an aerial portion of the plant).


In some implementations, applying is carried out by soil drenching (e.g., by pouring the combinations described herein as a bolus on the surface of the growing medium or soaking a plant tray in the combinations described herein, e.g., root bathing).


In some implementations, applying is carried out by drip irrigation.


In some implementations, applying is carried out by soil injection.


In some implementations, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) may be reapplied as required.


In some implementations, the method can further include adding water (e.g., to the growing medium) after the composition has been applied. In certain implementations, the methods can further include “watering in” the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions). For example, the combinations (e.g., compositions, e.g., fungicidal compositions) can be applied first to a growing medium (e.g., soil) and then watered in with, e.g., 0.5 to 2 inches of water.


In some implementations, the combinations include both paraffinic oil and water. It is advantageous to apply such combinations as oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. In some implementations, an oil-in-water emulsion is prepared by a process that includes combining the paraffinic oil, water, and any other components and the paraffinic oil and applying shear until the emulsion is obtained.


In other implementations, the combinations can include two or more separately contained (e.g., packaged) compositions, each containing one or more of the above-mentioned components. Said compositions can be combined and applied to an area of the growing medium with or without prior dilution with water; or each composition can be applied separately to the same to an area of the growing medium either simultaneously or sequentially, and each independently applied with or without prior dilution with water.


In the above-described implementations, application of any one (or more) compositions can be repeated one or more times.


[B]


In some implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): fungus or fungi, one or more bacteria, one or more viruses, one or more spiders, one or more ticks, one or more mites, one or more nematodes, one or more gastropods, and one or more insects.


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): fungus or fungi, one or more ticks, one or more mites, one or more gastropods, and one or more insects.


In certain implementations, the pest is a fungus or fungi.


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): one or more bacteria, one or more viruses, one or more spiders, one or more ticks, one or more mites, one or more nematodes, one or more gastropods, and one or more insects.


In certain implementations, plant pests include those that are at various stages of development, for example, egg, larva, nymph or adult stage.


In certain implementations, plant pests include creeping, crawling, hopping, flying, burrowing or subterranean insects.


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): Colletotrichum cereale, Rhizoctonia solani, the fungus that causes crown rust, Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, Microdochium nivale, Pyricularia grisea, Drechslera spp., Biopolaris spp., Leptosphaeria korrae, Erysiphe graminis, Laetisaria fuciformis, Typhula ishikariensis, Typhula incarnate, Microdochium nivale, the fungus that causes southern blight, Ophiosphaerella korrae, Magnaporthe poae, Pythium spp., Limonomyces roseipellis, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Sclerophthora macrospora, Ustilago striiformi, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae, Puccinia spp., Ascochyta spp., a weevil, a cutworm, a webworm, an armyworm, a pillbug, a grub, an aphid, a chinch bug, a chafer, a beetle, a grasshopper, a scale, a mealybug, a cranefly, an earwig, a slug, an ant, a flea, a tick, a mite, a nematode, a ground pearl, a billbug and a mole cricket.


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): Colletotrichum cereale, Rhizoctonia solani, the fungus that causes crown rust, Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, Microdochium nivale, Pyricularia grisea, Drechslera spp., Biopolaris spp., Leptosphaeria korrae, Erysiphe graminis, Laetisaria fuciformis, Typhula ishikariensis, Typhula incarnate, Microdochium nivale, the fungus that causes southern blight, Ophiosphaerella korrae, Magnaporthe poae, Pythium spp., Limonomyces roseipellis, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Sclerophthora macrospora, Ustilago striiformi, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae, Puccinia spp., or Ascochyta spp.


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): a weevil, a cutworm, a webworm, an armyworm, a pillbug, a grub, an aphid, a chinch bug, a chafer, a beetle, a grasshopper, a scale, a mealybug, a cranefly, an earwig, a slug, an ant, a flea, a tick, a mite, a nematode, a ground pearl, a billbug, a mole cricket, gypsy moth and a borer. Other examples can be found, e.g., in The USDA FIDL list (http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/nr/fid/wo-fidls/fidls-title.shtml).


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): bluegrass weevils, cutworms, sod webworms, pillbugs, grubs, aphids, mites, chinch bugs, chafers, beetles, grasshoppers, scales, craneflies, earwigs, slugs, ants, fleas, mealybugs and ticks.


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): annual blue grass weevils, banks grass mites, mealybugs, mites, cutworms, sod webworms and fall armyworms.


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): an annual blue grass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis), a black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), a granulate cutworm (Feltia subterranea), a variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia), a bronzed cutworm (Nephelodes minians), a tropical sod webworm (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis), a bluegrass webworm (Parapediasia teterrella), a larger sod webworm (Pediasia trisecta), a true armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta), a fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a white grub of a Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida), a white grub of a Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica), a white grub of an Asiatic Garden Beetle (Maladera castanea), a white grub of an oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis), a white grub of a northern masked chafer (Cyclocephala borealis), a white grub of an European chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis), a white grub of a May/June beetle (Phyllophaga spp.), a hairy chinch bug, a southern chinch bug (Blissus insularis), a Rhodesgrass mealybug (Antonina graminis), a Bermudagrass scale (Odonaspis ruthae), a white armored scale (Duplachionaspis divergens), a hunting billbug (Sphenophorus venatus vestitus), a mole cricket (Scapteriscus spp.), a bermudagrass mite (Eriophyes cynodoniensis), a Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis), a clover mite (Bryobia praetiosa), a brown wheat mite (Petrobia latens), a Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida), a Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica), an Asiatic Garden Beetle (Maladera castanea), an oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis), a northern masked chafer (Cyclocephala borealis), a European chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis), a May or June beetle (Phyllophaga spp.), a hunting billbug (Sphenophorus venatus vestitus), a mole cricket (Scapteriscus spp.), a clover mite (Bryobia praetiosa) and a brown wheat mite (Petrobia latens).


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): a fungus that causes anthracnose, a fungus that causes brown patch, a fungus that causes dollar spot, a fungus that causes gray leaf spot, a fungus that causes crown rust, a fungus that causes fusarium patch, a fungus that causes large patch of zoysia, a fungus that causes leaf spot, a fungus that causes necrotic ring, a fungus that causes powdery mildew, a fungus that causes red thread, a fungus that causes pink snow mold, a fungus that causes grey snow mold, a fungus that causes southern blight, a fungus that causes spring dead spot, a fungus that causes summer patch, a fungus that causes yellow turf, a fungus that causes pythium foliar blight, a fungus that causes pink patch, a fungus that causes leaf blight, a fungus that causes yellow patch, a fungus that causes downey mildew, a fungus that causes pythium blight, a fungus that causes rusts, a fungus that causes stripe smut, a fungus that causes summer leaf spot, a fungus that causes take-all patch and a fungus that causes microdochium patch.


In certain implementations, the pest is any one or more of the following (or any combination thereof): a fungus that causes anthracnose, a fungus that causes brown patch, a fungus that causes crown rust, a fungus that causes dollar spot, a fungus that causes fusarium patch, a fungus that causes gray leaf spot, a fungus that causes large patch of zoysia, a fungus that causes leaf spot, a fungus that causes melting-out, a fungus that causes necrotic ring, a fungus that causes powdery mildew, a fungus that causes red thread, a fungus that causes grey snow mold, a fungus that causes pink snow mold, a fungus that causes southern blight, a fungus that causes spring dead spot and a fungus that causes summer patch.


[C]


In some implementations, the plant is a tree (e.g., a maple tree, a citrus tree, an apple tree, a pear tree, an oak tree, an ash tree, a pine tree, or a spruce tree, or any combination thereof; e.g., a maple tree).


In some implementations, the plant is monocotyledonous. In certain implementations, the monocotyledonous plant is of the order Poaceae. In certain implementations, the plant is of the genus Triticum, Secale, Hordeum, Oryza, Zea, or Elymus.


In some implementations, the plant is dicotyledonous. In certain implementations, the plant is of the order Fabaceae. In certain implementations, the plant is of the species Glycine max.


In some implementations, the plant is a turf grass.


In certain implementations, the turf grass is one or more of: bentgrass, fine-leaf fescue, Poa annua, tall fescue, seashore paspalum, Bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, bahiagrass, centipedegrass, or St. Augustinegrass.


In certain implementations, the turf grass is one or more of: bentgrass, bluegrass, ryegrass, fescue, bermudagrass, bahiagrass, zoysia, beachgrass, wheatgrass or carpetgrass.


In certain implementations, the turf grass is one or more of: creeping bentgrass, colonial bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, annual ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, common bermudagrass, hybrid bermudagrass, annual bluegrass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue, bahiagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, rough stalk bluegrass, buffalo grass, blue grama, or annual bentgrass.


In certain implementations, the turf grass is one or more of: creeping bentgrass or annual bluegrass.


In some implementations, the plant is a “crop plant.”


In certain implementations, the crop plant is sugar cane, wheat, rice, corn (maize), potatoes, sugar beets, barley, sweet potatoes, cassava, soybeans, tomatoes, legumes (beans and peas).


In certain implementations, the crop plant is wheat, barley, oat, soybeans, and corn.


In certain implementations, the crop plant is wheat, barley, and/or oat.


In certain implementations, the crop plant is soybeans.


In certain implementations, the crop plant is corn.


[D]


In some implementations, the plant disease is maple tar spot.


In some implementations, the plant disease is Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP)/Huanglongbing (HLB), or Citrus cancer. In other implementations, the plant disease is one or more of those listed in http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/PDEP/targetpests.html; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/nr/fid/wo-fidls/fidls-title.shtml; or http://tidcf.nrcan.gc.ca/home).


In some implementations, the plant disease is bacterial spot and/or bacterial speck.


In some implementations, the plant disease may be caused by, for example, a fungal pathogen, e.g., Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, Colletotrichum cereale, Rhizoctonia solani, Microdochium nivale, Pyricularia grisea, Rhizoctonia solani, Drechslera spp., Biopolaris spp, Leptosphaeria korrae, Erysiphe graminis, Laetisaria fuciformis, Typhula ishikariensis, Typhula incarnate, Ophiosphaerella korrae, Magnaporthe poae, or a combination thereof. In certain implementations, the fungal pathogen is Sclerotinia homoeocarpa.


In some implementations, the turfgrass disease may be, for example, dollar spot, anthracnose, brown patch, crown rust, fusarium patch, gray leaf spot, large patch of zoysia, leaf spot/melting-out, necrotic ring, powdery mildew, red thread, grey snow mold, pink snow mold, southern blight, spring dead spot, summer patch, or a combination thereof.


In certain implementations, the plant disease may be, for example, at least one plant disease selected from the group consisting of anthracnose, brown patch, crown rust, dollar spot, fusarium patch, gray leaf spot, large patch of zoysia, leaf spot, melting-out, necrotic ring, powdery mildew, red thread, grey snow mold, pink snow mold, southern blight, spring dead spot, summer patch, yellow patch, downy mildew/yellow tuft, stripe smut, take-all patch, microdochium patch, rusts, yellow turf, leaf blight, summer leaf spot, pythium foliar blight disease, pink patch and pythium blight.


In certain implementations, the plant disease may be, for example, at least one plant disease selected from the group consisting of anthracnose, brown patch, crown rust, dollar spot, fusarium patch, gray leaf spot, large patch of zoysia, leaf spot, melting-out, necrotic ring, powdery mildew, red thread, grey snow mold, pink snow mold, southern blight, spring dead spot and summer patch.


In certain implementations, the fungal pathogen is a fungus that blights leaf tissue in a turfgrass.


In certain implementations, the fungal pathogen is a fungus that causes dollar spot in a turf grass.


In some implementations, the fungal pathogen may be, for example, Gymnosporangium jumperi-virginianae, Cronartium ribicola, Hemileia vastatrix Puccinia graminis, Puccinia coronata, Puccinia hemerocallidis, Puccinia persistens subsp. Triticina, Puccinia sriiformis, Puccinia triticina, Phakopsora meibomiae, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Uromyces phaseoli, Uromyces appendeculatus, Fusarium graminearum, Bipolaris sorokiniana, or a combination thereof. In alternative implementations, the fungal disease may be, for example: cedar-apple rust, which attacks, for example, apple and pear and hawthorn); white pine blister rust, which attacks, for example, white pines and currants; coffee rust, which attacks, for example, the coffee plant; wheat stem rust, which attacks, for example, Kentucky bluegrass, barley, and wheat; crown rust, which attacks, for example, oats and ryegrass; soybean rust, which attacks, for example, soybean and various legumes; leaf rust, which attacks, for example, wheat; bean rust which attacks, for example, bean; Daylily rust, which attacks, for example, Daylily; wheat rust in grains, also known as “brown” or “red rust’); “yellow” or “stripe rust”, which attacks, for example, wheat; spot blotch, which attacks, for example, wheat; and Fusarium head blight, which attacks, for example, wheat.


In alternative implementations, the fungal pathogen may be, for example, a fungus that blights leaf tissue in a crop plant. In selected implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae, and the disease may be, for example, cedar-apple rust. In alternative implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Cronartium ribicola, and the disease may be, for example, white pine blister rust. In selected implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen, and the disease may be, for example, coffee rust. In alternative implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Puccinia graminis, and the disease may be, for example, wheat stem rust. In selected implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Puccinia coronata, and the disease may be, for example, crown rust. In alternative implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Phakopsora meibomiae or Phakospora pachyrhizi, and the disease may be, for example, soybean rust. In alternative implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Uromyces phaseoli, and the disease may be, for example, bean rust. In selected implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Puccinia hemerocallidis, and the disease may be, for example, Daylily rust. In alternative implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Puccinia persistens subsp. triticina, and the disease may be, for example, brown rust or red rust. In selected implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Puccinia sriiformis, and the disease may be, for example, yellow rust or strip rust. In alternative implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Uromyces appendeculatus, and the disease may be, for example, bean rust. In selected implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Puccinia trilicina, and the disease may be, for example, leaf rust. In alternative implementations, the crop plant fungal pathogen is Fusarium graminearum and the disease may be, for example, Fusarium head blight. In selected implementations, the crop plant pathogen is the fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana, and the disease may be, for example, spot blotch.


In various additional implementations wherein the crop plant is wheat, the fungal pathogen may be any one of the fungal pathogens listed in the right hand column of Table 1, and the disease may be the corresponding disease of wheat listed in the left column of Table 1.









TABLE 1







Fungal diseases of wheat.








Disease
Causative fungal pathogen(s)






Alternaria leaf blight


Alternaria triticina



Anthracnose

Colletotrichum graminicola





Glomerella graminicola [teleomorph]




Ascochyta leaf spot


Ascochyta tritici




Aureobasidium decay


Microdochium bolleyi =





Aureobasidium bolleyi



Black head molds = sooty

Alternaria spp.



molds

Cladosporium spp.





Epicoccum spp.





Sporobolomyces spp.





Stemphylium spp. and other genera




Cephalosporium stripe


Hymenula cerealis =





Cephalosporium gramineum



Common bunt = stinking

Tilletia tritici =



smut

Tilletia caries =





Tilletia laevis =





Tilletia foetida



Common root rot

Cochliobolus sativus [teleomorph]





Bipolaris sorokiniana [anamorph] =





Helminthosporium sativum



Cottony snow mold

Coprinus psychromorbidus



Crown rot = foot rot, seedling

Fusarium spp.



blight, dryland root rot

Fusarium pseudograminearum





Gibberella zeae





Fusarium graminearum Group II [anamorph]





Gibberella avenacea





Fusarium avenaceum [anamorph]





Fusarium culmorum




Dilophospora leaf spot = twist


Dilophospora alopecuri



Downy mildew = crazy top

Sclerophthora macrospora



Dwarf bunt

Tilletia controversa



Ergot

Claviceps purpurea





Sphacelia segetum [anamorph]



Eyespot = foot rot,

Tapesia yallundae



strawbreaker

Ramulispora herpotrichoides [anamorph] =





Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides W-pathotype





Tapesia acuformis





Ramulispora acuformis [anamorph] =





Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides var. acuformis R-pathoytpe



False eyespot

Gibellina cerealis



Flag smut

Urocystis agropyri



Foot rot = dryland foot rot

Fusarium spp.



Halo spot

Pseudoseptoria donacis =





Selenophoma donacis



Karnal bunt = partial

Tilletia indica =



bunt

Neovossia indica



Leaf rust = brown

Puccinia triticina =



rust

Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici





Puccinia tritici-duri




Leptosphaeria leaf


Phaeosphaena herpotrichoides =



spot

Leptosphaeria herpotrichoides





Stagonospora sp. [anamorph]



Loose smut

Ustilago tritici =





Ustilago segetum var. tritici





Ustilago segetum var. nuda





Ustilago segetum var. avenae




Microscopica leaf


Phaeosphaeria microscopica =



spot

Leptosphaeria microscopica




Phoma spot


Phoma spp.





Phoma glomerata





Phoma sorghina =





Phoma insidiosa



Pink snow mold =

Microdochium nivale =




Fusarium patch


Fusarium nivale





Monographella nivalis [teleomorph]




Platyspora


Clathrospora pentamera =



leaf spot

Platyspora pentamera



Powdery mildew

Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici





Blumeria graminis =





Erysiphe graminis





Oidium monilioides [anamorph]




Pythium root rot


Pythium aphanidermatum





Pythium arrhenomanes





Pythium graminicola





Pythium myriotylum





Pythium volutum




Rhizoctonia root rot


Rhizoctonia solani





Thanatephorus curicumes [teleomorph]



Ring spot = Wirrega

Pyrenophora seminiperda



blotch

Drechslera campanulata =





Drechslera wirreganensis



Scab = head blight

Fusarium spp.





Gibberella zeae





Fusarium graminearum Group II [anamorph]





Gibberella avenacea





Fusarium avenaceum [anamorph]





Fusarium culmorum





Microdochium nivale =





Fusarium nivale





Monographella nivalis [teleomorph]




Sclerotinia snow


Myriosclerotinia borealis =



mold = snow scald

Sclerotinia borealis




Sclerotium wilt (see


Sclerotium rolfsii



Southern blight)

Athelia rolfsii [teleomorph]




Septoria blotch


Septoria tritici





Mycosphaerella graminicola [teleomorph]



Sharp eyespot

Rhizoctonia cerealis





Ceratobasidium cereale [teleomorph]



Snow rot

Pythium spp.





Pythium aristosporum





Pythium iwayamae





Pythium okanoganense



Southern blight =

Sclerotium rolfsii




Sclerotium base rot


Athelia rolfsii [teleomorph]



Speckled snow

Typhula idahoensis



mold = gray snow mold or

Typhula incarnata




Typhula blight


Typhula ishikariensis





Typhula ishikariensis var. canadensis



Spot blotch
Cochliobolus sativus [teleomorph]




Bipolaris sorokiniana [anamorph] =





Helminthosporium sativum




Stagonospora


Phaeosphaeria avenaria f. sp. triticae



blotch

Stagonospora avenae f. sp. triticae [anamorph] =





Septoria avenae f. sp. triticea





Phaeosphaeria nodorum





Stagonospora nodorum [anamorph] =





Septoria nodorum



Stem rust = black

Puccinia graminis =



rust

Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Ug99)



Storage molds

Aspergillus spp.





Penicillium spp.




and others


Stripe rust =

Puccinia striiformis



yellow rust

Uredo glumarum [anamorph]



Take-all

Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici





Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae



Tan spot = yellow

Pyrenophora tritici-repentis



leaf spot, red smudge

Drechslera tritici-repentis [anamorph]



Tar spot

Phyllachora graminis





Linochora graminis [anamorph]



Wheat Blast

Magnaporthe grisea



Zoosporic root rot

Lagena radicicola





Ligniera pilorum





Olpidium brassicae





Rhizophydium graminis










In various additional embodiments wherein the crop plant is of the genus Zea, the fungal pathogen may be any one of the fungal pathogens listed in the right hand column of Table 2, and the disease may be the corresponding disease of wheat listed in the left column of Table 2.









TABLE 2







Fungal diseases of maize.








Disease
Causative fungal pathogen





Anthracnose leaf blight

Colletotrichum graminicola



Anthracnose stalk rot

Glomerella graminicola [teleomorph]





Glomerella tucumanensis





Glomerella falcatum [anamorph]




Aspergillus ear and


Aspergillus flavus



kernel rot


Banded leaf and

Rhizoctonia solani = Rhizoctonia microsclerotia



sheath spot

Thanatephorus cucumeris [teleomorph]



Black bundle disease

Acremonium strictum = Cephalosporium acremonium



Black kernel rot

Lasiodiplodia theobromae = Botryodiplodia theobromae



Borde blanco

Marasmiellus sp.



Brown spot

Physoderma maydis



Black spot


Stalk rot



Cephalosporium kernel


Acremonium strictum = Cephalosporium acremonium



rot


Charcoal rot

Macrophomina phaseolina




Corticium ear rot


Thanatephorus cucumeris = Corticium sasakii




Curvularia leaf spot


Curvularia clavata





Curvularia eragrostidis = Curvularia maculans





Cochliobolus eragrostidis [teleomorph]





Curvularia inaequalis





Curvularia intermedia





Cochliobolus intermedius [teleomorph]





Curvularia lunata





Cochliobolus lunatus [teleomorph]





Curvularia pallescens





Cochliobolus pallescens [teleomorph]





Curvularia senegalensis





Curvularia tuberculata





Cochliobolus tuberculatus [teleomorph]




Didymella leaf spot


Didymella exitalis




Diplodia ear rot and


Diplodia frumenti



stalk rot

Botryosphaeria festucae [teleomorph]




Diplodia ear rot


Diplodia maydis



Stalk rot


Seed rot


Seedling blight



Diplodia leaf spot or


Stenocarpella macrospora = Diplodia macrospora



leaf streak


Brown stripe downy

Sclerophthora rayssiae



mildew


Crazy top downy

Scleroohthora macrospora = Sclerospora macrospora



mildew


Green ear downy mildew

Sclerospora graminicola




Graminicola downy mildew



Java downy mildew

Peronosclerospora maydis = Sclerospora maydis



Philippine downy

Peronosclerospora philippinensis = Sclerospora



mildew

philippinensis




Sorghum downy


Peronosclerospora sorghi = Sclerospora sorghi



mildew



Spontaneum downy


Peronosclerospora spontanea = Sclerospora spontanea



mildew


Sugarcane downy

Peronosclerospora sacchari = Sclerospora sacchari



mildew


Dry ear rot

Nigrospora orvzae



Cob, kernel and stalk rot

Khuskia oryzae [teleomorph]



Ear rots, minor

Alternaria alternata = Alternaria tenuis





Aspergillus glaucus





Aspergillus niger





Aspergillus spp.





Botrytis cinerea





Botryotinia fuckeliana [teleomorph]





Cunninghamella sp.





Curvularia pallescens





Doratomyces stemonitis = Cephalotrichum stemonitis





Fusarium culmorum





Gonatobotrys simplex





Pithomyces maydicus





Rhizopus microsporus





Rhizopus stolonifer = Rhizopus nigricans





Scopulariopsis brumptii



Ergot

Claviceps gigantea



Horse's tooth

Sphacelia sp. [anamorph]



Eyespot

Aureobasidium zeae = Kabatiella zeae




Fusarium ear and stalk


Fusarium subglutinans = Fusarium moniliforme



rot



Fusarium kernel, root


Fusarium moniliforme



and stalk rot, seed rot and

Gibberella fujikuroi [teleomorph]



seedling blight



Fusarium stalk rot


Fusarium avenaceum



Seedling root rot

Gibberella avenacea [teleomorph]




Gibberella ear and


Gibberella zeae



stalk rot

Fusarium graminearum [anamorph]



Gray ear rot

Botryosphaeria zeae = Physalospora zeae





Macrophoma zeae [anamorph]



Gray leaf spot

Cercospora sorghi = Cercospora sorghi




Cercospora leaf spot


Cercospora zeae-maydis




Helminthosporium root


Exserohilum pedicellatum = Helminthosporium



rot

pedicellatum





Setosphaeria pedicellata [teleomorph]




Hormodendrum ear rot


Cladosporium cladosporioides = Hormodendrum




Cladosporium rot


cladosporioides





Cladosporium herbarum





Mycosphaerella tassiana [teleomorph]




Hyalothyridium leaf


Hyalothyridium maydis



spot


Late wilt

Cephalosporium maydis



Leaf spots, minor

Alternaria alternata





Ascochyta maydis





Ascochyta tritici





Ascochyta zeicola





Bipolaris victoriae = Helminthosporium victoriae





Cochliobolus victoriae [teleomorph]





Cochliobolus sativus





Bipolaris sorokiniana [anamorph] = Helminthosporium





sorokinianum = H. sativum





Epicoccum nigrum





Exserohilum prolatum = Drechslera prolata





Setosphaeria prolata [teleomorph]





Graphium penicillioides





Leptosphaeria maydis





Leptothyrium zeae





Ophiosphaerella herpotricha





Scolecosporiella sp. [anamorph]





Paraphaeosphaeria michotii





Phoma sp.





Septoria zeae





Septoria zeicola





Septoria zeina



Northern corn leaf

Setosphaeria turcica



blight

Exserohilum turcicum [anamorph] =



White blast

Helminthosporium turcicum



Crown stalk rot


Stripe


Northern corn leaf spot

Cochliobolus carbonum




Helminthosporium


Bipolaris zeicola [anamorph] =



ear rot (race 1)

Helminthosporium carbonum




Penicillium ear rot


Penicillium spp.



Blue eye

Penicillium chrysogenum



Blue mold

Penicillium expansum





Penicillium oxalicum




Phaeocytostroma stalk


Phaeocytostroma ambiguum = Phaeocytosporella zeae



rot and root rot



Phaeosphaeria leaf


Phaeosphaeria maydis = Sphaerulina maydis



spot



Physalospora ear rot


Botryosphaeria festucae = Physalospora zeicola




Botryosphaeria ear rot


Diplodia frumenti [anamorph]



Purple leaf sheath
Hemiparasitic bacteria and fungi



Pyrenochaeta stalk rot


Phoma terrestris = Pyrenochaeta terrestris



and root rot



Pythium root rot


Pythium spp.





Pythium arrhenomanes





Pythium graminicola




Pythium stalk rot


Pythium aphanidermatum = Pythium butleri



Red kernel disease

Epicoccum nigrum



Ear mold, leaf and seed rot



Rhizoctonia ear rot


Rhizoctonia zeae



Sclerotial rot

Waitea circinata [teleomorph]




Rhizoctonia root rot


Rhizoctonia solani



and stalk rot

Rhizoctonia zeae



Root rots, minor

Alternaria alternata





Cercospora sorghi





Dictochaeta fertilis





Fusarium acuminatum Gibberella acuminata [teleomorph]





Fusarium equiseti





Gibberella intricans [teleomorph]





Fusarium oxysporum





Fusarium pallidoroseum





Fusarium poae





Fusarium roseum





Gibberella cyanogena





Fusarium sulphureum [anamorph]





Microdochium bolleyi





Mucor sp.





Periconia circinata





Phytophthora cactorum





Phytophthora drechsleri





Phytophthora nicotianae





Rhizopus arrhizus




Rostratum leaf spot


Setosohaeria rostrata = Helminthosporium rostratum




Helminthosporium leaf disease,



ear and stalk rot


Rust, common corn

Puccinia sorghi



Rust, southern corn

Puccinia polysora



Rust, tropical corn

Physopella pallescens





Physopella zeae = Angiopsora zeae




Sclerotium ear rot


Sclerotium rolfsii



Southern blight

Athelia rolfsii [teleomorph]



Seed rot-seedling blight

Bipolaris sorokiniana





Bipolaris zeicola = Helminthosporium carbonum





Diplodia maydis





Exserohilum pedicillatum





Exserohilum turcicum = Helminthosporium turcicum





Fusarium avenaceum





Fusarium culmorum





Fusarium moniliforme





Gibberella zeae





Fusarium graminearum [anamorph]





Macrophomina phaseolina





Penicillium spp.





Phomopsis spp.





Pythium spp.





Rhizoctonia solani





Rhizoctonia zeae





Sclerotium rolfsii





Spicaria spp.




Selenophoma leaf spot


Selenophoma sp.



Sheath rot

Gaeumannomyces graminis



Shuck rot

Myrothecium gramineum



Silage mold

Monascus purpureus





Monascus ruber



Smut, common

Ustilago zeae = Ustilago maydis



Smut, false

Ustilaginoidea virens



Smut, head

Sphacelotheca reiliana = Sporisorium holci-sorghi



Southern corn leaf

Cochliobolus heterostrophus



blight and stalk rot

Bipolaris maydis [anamorph] = Helminthosporium maydis



Southern leaf spot

Stenocarpella macrospora = Diplodia macrospora



Stalk rots, minor

Cercospora sorghi





Fusarium episphaeria





Fusarium merismoides





Fusarium oxysporum





Fusarium poae





Fusarium roseum





Fusarium solani





Nectria haematococca [teleomorph]





Fusarium tricinctum





Mariannaea elegans





Mucor spp.





Rhopographus zeae





Spicaria spp.



Storage rots

Aspergillus spp.





Penicillium spp. and other fungi



Tar spot

Phyllachora maydis




Trichoderma ear rot


Trichoderma viride = Trichoderma lignorum



and root rot

Hypocrea sp. [teleomorph]



White ear rot, root and

Stenocarpella maydis = Diplodia zeae



stalk rot


Yellow leaf blight

Ascochyta ischaemi





Phyllosticta maydis





Mycosphaerella zeae-maydis [teleomorph]



Zonate leaf spot

Gloeocercospora sorghi










In various additional embodiments wherein the crop plant is barley, the fungal pathogen may be any one of the fungal pathogens listed in the right hand column of Table 3, and the disease may be the corresponding disease of wheat listed in the left column of Table 3.









TABLE 3







Fungal diseases of barley.








Disease
Causative fungal pathogen(s)





Anthracnose[1]

Colletotrichum cereale Manns



Barley stripe

Pyrenophora graminea =





Drechslera graminea




Cephalosporium stripe


Hymenula cerealis =





Cephalosporium gramineum



Common root rot, crown

Cochliobolus sativus =



rot and seedling blight

Bipolaris sorokiniana





Fusarium culmorum





Fusarium graminearum





Gibberella zeae [teleomorph]



Downy mildew

Sclerophthora rayssiae



Dwarf bunt

Tilletia controversa



Ergot

Claviceps purpurea





Sphacelia segetum [anamorph]



Eyespot

Pseudocercosoporella herpotrichoides





Tapesia yallundae [teleomorph]



Halo spot

Pseudoseptoria donacis =





Selenophoma donacis



Kernel blight =

Alternaria spp.



black point

Arthrinium arundinis
[2]





Apiospora montagnei [teleomorph]





Cochliobolus sativus





Fusarium spp.




Ascochyta leaf


Ascochyta hordei



spot[1][3]

Ascochyta graminea





Ascochyta sorghi





Ascochyta tritici



Net blotch

Drechslera teres





Pyrenophora teres [teleomorph]



Net blotch (spot form)

Drechslera teres f. maculate



Powdery mildew

Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei =





Blumeria graminis





Oidium monilioides [anamorph]




Pythium root rot


Pythium spp.





Pythium arrhenomanes





Pythium graminicola





Pythium tardicrescens




Rhizoctonia root rot


Rhizoctonia solani





Thanatephorus cucumeris [teleomorph]



Crown rust

Puccinia coronata var. hordei



Leaf rust

Puccinia hordei



Stem rust

Puccinia graminis f. sp. secalis





Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici



Stripe rust = yellow rust

Puccinia striifbrmis f. sp. hordei



Scab = head blight

Fusarium spp.





Fusarium graminearum



Scald

Rhynchosporium secalis




Septoria speckled


Septoria passerinii



leaf blotch

Stagonospora avenae f. sp. triticae



Sharp eyespot

Rhizoctonia cerealis





Ceratobasidium cereale [teleomorph]



Covered smut

Ustilago hordei



False loose smut

Ustilago nigra =





Ustilago avenae



Loose smut

Ustilago nuda =





Ustilago tritici



Gray snow mold =

Typhula incarnata




Typhula blight


Typhula ishikariensis



Pink snow mold = Fusarium

Microdochium nivale =



patch

Fusarium nivale





Monographella nivalis [teleomorph]



Speckled snow mold

Typhula idahoensis



Snow rot

Pythium iwayamae





Pythium okanoganense





Pythium paddicum



Snow scald = Sclerotinia snow

Myriosclerotinia borealis =



mold

Sclerotinia borealis



Southern blight

Sclerotium rolfsii





Athelia rolfsii [teleomorph]



Spot blotch

Cochliobolus sativus





Drechslera teres [anamorph]




Stagonospora blotch


Stagonospora avenae f. sp. triticae





Phaeosphaeria avenaria f. sp. triticae [teleomorph]





Stagonospora nodorum =





Septoria nodorum





Phaeosphaeria nodorum [teleomorph]



Take-all

Gaeumannomyces graminis var tritici



Tan spot

Pyrenophora tritici-repentis =





Pyrenophora trichostoma





Drechslera tritici-repentis [anamorph] =





Helminthosporium tritici-repentis




Verticillium wilt[4][5]


Verticillium dahliae




Wirrega blotch


Drechslera wirreganensis










In various additional embodiments wherein the crop plant is rice, the fungal pathogen may be any one of the fungal pathogens listed in the right hand column of Table 4, and the disease may be the corresponding disease of wheat listed in the left column of Table 4.









TABLE 4







Fungal diseases of rice.








Disease
Causative fungal pathogen(s)





Aggregate sheath spot

Ceratobasidium oryzae-sativae





Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae [anamorph]



Black kernel

Curvularia lunata





Cochliobolus lunatus [teleomorph]



Blast (leaf, neck [rotten neck],

Pyricularia grisea =



nodal and collar)

Pyricularia oryzae





Magnaporthe grisea [teleomorph]



Brown spot

Cochliobolus miyabeanus





Bipolaris oryzae [anamorph]



Crown sheath rot

Gaeumannomyces graminis



Downy mildew

Sclerophthora macrospora



Eyespot

Drechslera gigantea



False smut

Ustilaginoidea virens



Kernel smut

Tilletia barclayana =





Neovossia horrida



Leaf smut

Entyloma oryzae



Leaf scald

Microdochium oryzae =





Rhynchosporium oryzae



Narrow brown leaf spot

Cercospora janseana =





Cercospora oryzae





Sphaerulina oryzina [teleomorph]



Pecky rice
Damage by many fungi including


(kernel spotting)

Cochliobolus miyabeanus





Curvularia spp.





Fusarium spp.





Microdochium oryzae





Sarocladium oryzae




and other fungi.


Root rots

Fusarium spp.





Pythium spp.





Pythium dissotocum





Pythium spinosum



Seedling blight

Cochliobolus miyabeanus





Curvularia spp.





Fusarium spp.





Rhizoctonia solani





Sclerotium rolfsii





Athelia rolfsii [teleomorph]




and other pathogenic fungi.


Sheath blight

Thanatephorus cucumeris





Rhizoctonia solani [anamorph]



Sheath rot

Sarocladium oryzae =





Acrocylindrium oryzae



Sheath spot

Rhizoctonia oryzae



Stackburn (Alternaria leaf spot)

Alternaria padwickii



Stem rot

Magnaporthe salvinii





Sclerotium oryzae [synanamorph]



Water-mold (seed-rot and

Achlya conspicua



seedling disease)

Achlya klebsiana





Fusarium spp.





Pythium spp.





Pythium dissotocum





Pythium spinosum










In various additional embodiments wherein the crop plant is soybean, the fungal pathogen may be any one of the fungal pathogens listed in the right hand column of Table 5, and the disease may be the corresponding disease of wheat listed in the left column of Table 5.









TABLE 5







Fungal diseases of soybean.








Disease
Causative fungal pathogen(s)






Alternaria leaf spot


Alternaria spp.



Anthracnose

Colletotrichum truncatum





Colletotrichum dematium f. truncatum





Glomerella glycines





Colletotrichum destructivum [anamorph]



Black leaf blight

Arkoola nigra



Black root rot

Thielaviopsis basicola





Chalara elegans [synanamorph]



Brown spot

Septoria glycines





Mycosphaerella usoenskajae [teleomorph]



Brown stem rot

Phialophora gregata =





Cephalosporium gregatum



Charcoal rot

Macrophomina phaseolina




Choanephora leaf blight


Choanephora infundibulifera





Choanephora trispora



Damping-off

Rhizoctonia solani





Thanatephorus cucumeris [teleomorph]





Pythium aphanidermatum





Pythium debaryanum





Pythium irregulare





Pythium myriotylum





Pythium ultimum



Downy mildew

Peronospora manshurica




Drechslera blight


Drechslera glycines



Frogeye leaf spot

Cercospora sojina




Fusarium root rot


Fusarium spp.




Leptosphaerulina leaf spot


Leptosphaerulina trifolii




Mycoleptodiscus root rot


Mycoleptodiscus terrestris




Neocosmospora stem rot


Neocosmospora vasinfecta





Acremonium spp. [anamorph]




Phomopsis seed decay


Phomopsis spp.




Phytophthora root and stem rot


Phytophthora sojae




Phyllosticta leaf spot


Phyllosticta sojaecola




Phymatotrichum root rot =


Phymatotrichopsis omnivora =



cotton root rot

Phymatotrichum omnivorum



Pod and stem blight

Diaporthe phaseolorum





Phomopsis sojae [anamorph]



Powdery mildew

Microsphaera diffusa



Purple seed stain

Cercospora kikuchii




Pyrenochaeta leaf spot


Pyrenochaeta glycines




Pythium rot


Pythium aphanidermatum





Pythium debaryanum





Pythium irregulare





Pythium myriotylum





Pythium ultimum



Red crown rot

Cylindrocladium crotalariae





Calonectria crotalariae [teleomorph]



Red leaf blotch = Dactuliophora leaf spot

Dactuliochaeta glycines =





Pyrenochaeta glycines





Dactuliophora glycines [synanamorph]




Rhizoctonia aerial blight


Rhizoctonia solani





Thanatephorus cucumeris [teleomorph]




Rhizoctonia root and stem rot


Rhizoctonia solani



Rust

Phakopsora pachyrhizi



Scab

Spaceloma glycines




Sclerotinia stem rot


Sclerotinia sclerotiorum



Southern blight (damping-off and stem

Sclerotium rolfsii



rot) = Sclerotium blight

Athelia rolfsii [teleomorph]



Stem canker

Diaporthe phaseolorum





Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora





Phomopsis phaseoli [anamorph]




Stemphylium leaf blight


Stemphylium botryosum





Pleospora tarda [teleomorph]



Sudden death syndrome

Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines



Target spot

Corynespora cassiicola



Yeast spot

Nematospora coryli










In various additional embodiments wherein the crop plant is potato, the fungal pathogen may be any one of the fungal pathogens listed in the right hand column of Table 6, and the disease may be the corresponding disease of wheat listed in the left column of Table 6.









TABLE 6







Fungal diseases of potato.








Disease
Causative fungal pathogen(s)





Black dot

Colletotrichum coccodes =





Colletotrichum atramentarium



Brown spot and Black pit

Alternaria alternata =





Alternaria tenuis




Cercospora leaf blotch


Mycovellosiella concors =





Cercospora concors





Cercospora solani





Cercospora solani-tuberosi



Charcoal rot

Macrophomina phaseolina =





Sclerotium bataticola




Choanephora blight


Choanephora cucurbitarum



Common rust

Puccinia pittieriana



Deforming rust

Aecidium cantensis



Early blight

Alternaria solani




Fusarium dry rot


Fusarium spp.





Gibberella pulicaris =





Fusarium solani




Other Fusarium spp. include:




Fusarium avenaceum





Fusarium oxysporum





Fusarium culmorum




Less common Fusarium spp. include:




Fusarium acuminatum





Fusarium equiseti





Fusarium crookwellense




Fusarium wilt


Fusarium spp.





Fusarium avenaceum





Fusarium oxysporum





Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii



Gangrene

Phoma solanicola f. foveata





Phoma foveata =





Phoma exigua var. foveata =





Phoma exigua f. sp. foveata





Phoma exigua var. exigua



Gray mold

Botrytis cinerea





Botryotinia fuckeliana [teleomorph]



Late blight

Phytophthora infestans



Leak

Pythium spp.





Pythium ultimum var. ultimum =





Pythium debaryanum





Pythium aphanidermatum





Pythium deliense




Phoma leaf spot


Phoma andigena var. andina



Pink rot

Phytophthora spp.





Phytophthora cryptogea





Phytophthora drechsleri





Phytophthora erythroseptica





Phytophthora megasperma





Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica



Powdery mildew

Erysiphe cichoracearum



Powdery scab

Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea




Rhizoctonia canker


Rhizoctonia solani



and black scurf

Thanatephorus cucumeris [teleomorph]




Rosellinia black rot


Rosellinia sp.





Dematophora sp. [anamorph]




Septoria leaf spot


Septoria lycopersici var. malagutii



Silver scurf

Helminthosporium solani



Skin spot

Polyscytalum pustulans



Stem rot (southern blight)

Sclerotium rolfsii





Athelia rolfsii [teleomorph]




Thecaphora smut


Angiosorus solani =





Thecaphora solani




Ulocladium blight


Ulocladium atrum




Verticillium wilt


Verticillium albo-atrum





Verticillium dahliae



Wart

Synchytrium endobioticum



White mold

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum










In some implementations, the combinations described herein can be prepared using the methods described in, for example, WO 2009/155693.


The features described in section III above can be combined with any one or more of the features described in sections I and II above.


Various implementations and examples of the combinations are described herein. These implementations and examples are illustrative, and not limiting.


EXAMPLES
Example 1: Greenhouse Stem Rust Evaluation Study

The efficacy of Civitas™ alone or in combination with Harmonizer™ in controlling infection of wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Norin43’) by Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici (“Pgt”) was tested under greenhouse conditions. Briefly, each treatment consisted of four pots containing four plants. Plants were planted on March 2nd. Civitas™ Harmonizer™, and combinations thereof were applied to test plants, by foliar application, on March 10th, seven days before inoculation (DBI) on March 17th as indicated in Table









TABLE 7







Results of greenhouse stem rust evaluation study.


Greenhouse Stem Rust Evaluation Study


Pathogen: Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici






















% Leaf Area



Treat

Carrier

Civitas
Harmonizer

(severity)
Infection Type

















ID
Method
(gal/A)
Timing
(oz/acre)
(oz/acre)
Treated
Avg. Sev
SD %
Avg. IT
SD %




















1
Foliar
20
7DBI
160
0
3/10
20.00
7.07
2.25
0.50


2
Foliar
20
7DBI
320
0
3/10
15.00
4.08
2.25
0.50


3
Foliar
20
7DBI
0
10
3/10
26.25
6.29
3.50
0.58


4
Foliar
20
7DBI
0
20
3/10
25.00
4.08
3.25
0.50


5
Foliar
20
7DBI
40
2.5
3/10
16.00
2.71
2.50
0.58


6
Foliar
20
7DBI
160
10
3/10
11.25
4.79
1.75
0.50


7
Foliar
20
7DBI
320
20
3/10
8.75
4.79
1.25
0.50


8
Drench
400
7DBI
160
0
3/10
17.50
6.45
2.25
0.50


9
Drench
400
7DBI
320
0
3/10
16.25
2.50
2.25
0.50


10
Drench
400
7DBI
0
10
3/10
26.25
4.79
3.25
0.96


11
Drench
400
7DBI
0
20
3/10
25.00
7.07
3.25
0.50


12
Drench
400
7DBI
40
2.5
3/10
17.50
2.89
2.00
0.82


13
Drench
400
7DBI
160
10
3/10
10.00
4.08
1.50
0.58


14
Drench
400
7DBI
320
20
3/10
7.50
2.89
1.25
0.50


15
Control
20
N/A
0
0
3/10
27.50
6.45
3.75
0.50











    • 7. The average severity of infection, in terms of % leaf area infected, was evaluated 12 days after inoculation on March 29th.





Example 2: Wheat Stem Rust Study

The efficacy of Civitas™ alone or in combination with Harmonizer™, Folicur™ or Quilt™ in controlling infection of wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Norin43’) by Pgt was tested between May and July. A field was treated with Roundup™ on May 9th and cultivated twice before planting. Plots were planted on May 28 using a seeding rate of 1.25 bu/A, and were 15 ft long by 5 ft wide with 7 rows. Due to flooding in the field shortly after planting, plots lengths were reduced to 7 ft long prior to cutting of the alleys. Plots consisting of a highly susceptible rust spreader mixture were alternated with the experimental units.


The experimental design was a randomized complete block with five replicates. Puma™ (0.4 pt/A) and Bronate Advanced™ (0.8 pt/A) were applied on June 10th to control weeds. On July 14th, urediniospores of Pgt were collected from nearby trap plots and applied to the spreader rows in a 0.1% water agar suspension using a hand-powered backpack sprayer. On July 20th, fungicide treatments were applied with a CO2-powered backpack sprayer in a carrier volume of 20 gal/A using XR8002 flat fan nozzles and an application pressure of 40 PSI. The plants in each plot were at Feekes 10.51 (early anthesis). At 48 hr after fungicide application, the experimental plots were inoculated as previously described with Pgt and misted at night for 7 days (3 min on per each 30 min) to facilitate infection and disease development. One treatment received a second application 7 days later (Treatment 5, see Table 8 below). Plots were rated for stem rust severity at 14 d after inoculation by visually estimating the percentage of stem area covered with pustules for 50 plants per plot (5 randomly chosen locations of 10 plants each). Plots were harvested with a small plot combine and yield was determined. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA and pair-wise comparisons were performed using Tukey's HSD (P=0.05).









TABLE 8







Results of Wheat Stem Rust Study














Upper Stem
Average Stem

Yield




Severity (%
Severity (%
Yield
(% of


Trt No.
App Rate (oz/acre)
infected area)
infected area)
(g/plot)
Control)















1
Non-inoculated Control
37.50
39.17
67.325
6


2
Inoculated Control
38.00
39.00
63.4
0


3
Civitas (160)
27.25
29.33
80.05
26


4
Civitas (320)
25.75
28.50
63.475
0


5
Civitas + Harmonizer
26.25
29.50
71.65
13



(160 + 10) (1 app)


6
Civitas + Harmonizer
27.00
29.75
96.225
52



(160 + 10) (2 apps)


7
Civitas + Harmonizer
25.50
30.00
78.525
24



(320 + 20)


8
Folicur (4)
25.00
29.08
142.175
124


9
Quilt (14)
14.50
19.17
161.75
155


10
Civitas + ½ Folicur
20.75
24.75
169.75
168



(160 + 2)


11
Civitas + Harmonizer +
19.25
24.25
176.2
178



½ Folicur



(80 + 5 + 2)


12
Civitas + Harmonizer +
16.75
22.17
203.5
221



½ Folicur



(160 + 10 + 2)


13
Civitas + Harmonizer +
11.00
16.92
185.175
192



½ Folicur



(320 + 20 + 2)


14
Civitas + Harmonizer +
19.50
25.00
162.075
156



½ Quilt



(80 + 5 + 7)









Example 3: Greenhouse Spot Blotch Evaluation Study

The efficacy of Civitas™/Harmonizer™, alone or in combination with Folicur™ in controlling infection of wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Baart’) by Bipolaris sorokiniana was tested under greenhouse conditions. Briefly, each treatment consisted of three pots (4″ by 4″) containing three plants each. Plants were planted on March 1st. Civitas™/Harmonizer™, Folicur™, and combinations thereof were applied to test plants, by foliar application on March 8 (seven DBI), by soil drench on March 8th (7 DBI), or by foliar application on March 14th (1 DBI), as indicated in Table 9 (rates of Civitas, Harmonizer, and Folicur are expressed in oz/acre). For foliar application, the treatments were applied in 0.2 mL per pot, which is the equivalent of 20 gal/A. For soil drench, treatments were applied in 3.8 mL, which is the equivalent of 400 gal/A. Plants were innoculated on March 15th. The average severity of infection, in terms of % leaf area infected, was evaluated 14 days after inoculation on March 29th.


Images of the untreated, inoculated control are presented in FIG. 1. Note the number of pustules (dark spots), near lack of chlorosis (light halos surrounding dark spots), and large pustule size. FIG. 2 shows leaves of inoculated plants that were treated with Civitas™/Harmonizer™ (160+10 oz/acre) and Folicur (2 oz/acre) by foliar application 7DBI. Note the near lack of symptoms, small pustule size, and chlorotic halos. FIG. 3 shows leaves of inoculated plants that were treated with Civitas™/Harmonizer™ (320+20 oz/acre) by soil drench application 7 DBI. Note the near lack of symptoms, chlorotic halos, and reduced pustule size.









TABLE 9







Results of Greenhouse Spot Blotch Evaluation Study


Greenhouse Spot Blotch Evaluation Study


Pathogen: Bipolaris sorokiniana











% Leaf Area
0-4, R to




(severity)
Susceptible Infection Type






















Treat

Carrier





Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Avg.



ID
Method
(gal/A)
Timing
Civitas
Harmonizer
Folicur
Treated
1
2
3
1
2
3
Sev
IT

























01
Foliar
0
7DBI
160
10
0

5
5
5
2
1
1
5.0
1.3


02
Foliar
0
7DBI
320
20
0

0
10
3
0
2
1
4.3
1.0


03
Drench
00
7DBI
160
10
0

5
5
0
1
1
0
3.3
0.7


04
Drench
00
7DBI
320
20
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0


05
Foliar
0
1DBI
160
10
0
3/14
10
10
10
3
3
1
10.0
2.3


06
Foliar
0
1DBI
0
0
2
3/14
5
5
0
1
2
0
3.3
1.0


07
Foliar
0
1DBI
0
0
4
3/14
5
0
2
1
0
1
2.3
0.7


08
Foliar
0
1DBI
160
10
2
3/14
5
0
0
1
0
0
1.7
0.3


Control
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
0
0
N/A
15
20
15
4
4
4
16.7
4.0









Example 4: Greenhouse Leaf Rust Evaluation Study

The efficacy of Civitas™/Harmonizer™, alone or in combination with Folicur™ in controlling infection of wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Baart’) by Puccinia triticina was tested under greenhouse conditions. Briefly, each treatment consisted of three pots (4″ by 4″) containing three plants each. Plants were planted on March 1st. Civitas™/Harmonizer™, Folicur™, and combinations thereof were applied to test plants, by foliar application on March 8 (seven DBI), by soil drench on March 8th (7 DBI), or by foliar application on March 14th (1 DBI), as indicated in Table 10 (rates of Civitas, Harmonizer, and Folicur are expressed in oz/acre). For foliar application, the treatments were applied in 0.2 mL per pot, which is the equivalent of 20 gal/A. For soil drench, treatments were applied in 3.8 mL, which is the equivalent of 400 gal/A. Plants were innoculated on March 15th. The average severity of infection, in terms of % leaf area infected, was evaluated 14 days after inoculation on March 29th.









TABLE 10







Results of Greenhouse Leaf Rust Evaluation Study


Greenhouse Leaf Rust Evaluation Study


Pathogen: Puccinia triticina











% Leaf Area
0-4, R to




(severity)
Susceptible Infection Type






















Treat

Carrier





Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Avg.
Avg.


ID
Method
(gal/A)
Timing
Civitas
Harmonizer
Folicur
Treated
1
2
3
1
2
3
Sev
IT

























1
Foliar
20
7DBI
160
10
0

15
20
15
2
1
1
16.7
1.3


2
Foliar
20
7DBI
320
20
0

15
15
10
1
1
2
13.3
1.3


3
Drench
400
7DBI
160
10
0

20
20
25
2
2
2
21.7
2.0


4
Drench
400
7DBI
320
20
0

20
15
20
2
2
1
18.3
1.7


5
Foliar
20
1DBI
160
10
0
3/14
15
15
15
1
1
2
15.0
1.3


6
Foliar
20
1DBI
0
0
2
3/14
5
5
5
1
1
1
5.0
1.0


7
Foliar
20
1DBI
0
0
4
3/14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0


8
Foliar
20
1DBI
160
10
2
3/14
0
5
5
0
1
1
3.3
0.7


Control
Control
N/A
N/A
0
0
0
N/A
25
30
30
3
3
3
28.3
3.0









Images of the untreated, inoculated control are presented in FIG. 4. Note the large number of pustules (dark spots), near lack of chlorosis, and large pustule size. FIG. 5 shows leaves of inoculated plants that were treated with Civitas™/Harmonizer™ (160+10 oz/acre) and Folicur (2 oz/acre) by foliar application 7DBI. Note the near lack of pustules, somewhat restricted size, and small chlorotic halos indicative of a resistance response. FIG. 6 shows leaves of inoculated plants that were treated with Civitas™/Harmonizer™ (320+20 gal/A) by soil drench application 7 DBI. Note the lack of pustules, restricted size, and large chlorotic halos indicative of a resistance response.


Example 5: Greenhouse Fusarium Head Blight Evaluation Study

The efficacy of Civitas™, Harmonizer™, and Folicur™ alone or in combination, in controlling infection of wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Sonalika’) by Fusarium graminearum was tested under greenhouse conditions. Briefly, each treatment consisted of four pots (4″ by 4″) containing nine plants each. Plants were planted on March 2nd. Civitas™ Harmonizer™, Folicur™, and combinations thereof were applied to test plants, by foliar application or by soil drench on March 10 (39 DBI), or 35 DBI by foliar application on March 16th, as indicated in Table 11 (rates of Civitas, Harmonizer, and Folicur are expressed in oz/acre). For foliar application, the treatments were applied in 0.2 mL per pot, which is the equivalent of 20 gal/A. For soil drench, treatments were applied in 3.8 mL, which is the equivalent of 400 gal/A. Plants were innoculated on April 18th. The average severity of infection was evaluated 14 days after inoculation on May 2nd.









TABLE 11







Results of Greenhouse Spot Blotch Evaluation Study


Greenhouse Spot Blotch Evaluation Study


Pathogen: Bipolaris sorokiniana











% Leaf Area
0-4, R to




(severity)
Susceptible Infection Type






















Treat

Carrier





Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Rep
Avg.
Avg.


ID
Method
(gal/A)
Timing
Civitas
Harmonizer
Folicur
Treated
1
2
3
1
2
3
Sev
IT

























01
Foliar
20
7DBI
160
10
0

5
5
5
2
1
1
5.0
1.3


02
Foliar
20
7DBI
320
20
0

0
10
3
0
2
1
4.3
1.0


03
Drench
400
7DBI
160
10
0

5
5
0
1
1
0
3.3
0.7


04
Drench
400
7DBI
320
20
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0


05
Foliar
20
1DBI
160
10
0
3/14
10
10
10
3
3
1
10.0
2.3


06
Foliar
20
1DBI
0
0
2
3/14
5
5
0
1
2
0
3.3
1.0


07
Foliar
20
1DBI
0
0
4
3/14
5
0
2
1
0
1
2.3
0.7


08
Foliar
20
1DBI
160
10
2
3/14
5
0
0
1
0
0
1.7
0.3


Control
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
0
0
N/A
15
20
15
4
4
4
16.7
4.0









Example 6: Soybean Rust Study in Georgia

The efficacy of Civitas™, Harmonizer™, and Headline™ (Pyraclostrobin, BASF), and Domark®230 ME (Tetraconazole, Valent), alone or in combination, in controlling infection of soybean (Glycine max) by Phakospora pachyrhizi was tested in the field in Georgia. Civitas was tested at 640 oz/a (5 gal/a) and 320 oz/a (2.5 gal/a), with and without Harmonizer. Two conventional chemical fungicides that are labelled for soybean rust, Headline® and Domark®230 ME were used alone, as well as tank mix partners with Civitas. The total spray volume is 15 gal/a, significantly lower than the spray volume for turf applications (50-100 gal/a). Accordingly, the concentrations of the Civitas solution were much higher than in turf application (16% to 33% in this study). The treatments are listed in Table 12. The results of this study are provided in Table 13. Civitas showed significant control of Phakospora pachyrhizi on soybean. The incidence and severity were equal to or exceeded control by the conventional fungicides. The combination of the conventional fungicides with Civitas alone or Civitas/Harmonzier provided better efficacy than the conventional fungicides used alone.









TABLE 12







List of treatments of soybean plants prior to innoculation
















Form




Amount




Conc.
Form
Rate
Appl
Application
Production


rt No.
Treatment
GA/L (%)
Type
(oz/acre)
Code
Description
to Measure


















1
Headline
250 
EC
6
AB
R2-R3
9.375
ml/mx


2
Headline
250 
EC
4
AB
R2-R3
6.25
ml/mc


3
Headline
250 
EC
4
AB
R2-R3
6.25
ml/mx



Civitas
(1)
L
640
AB
R2-R3
1000.0
ml/mx


4
Headline
250 
EC
4
AB
R2-R3
6.25
ml/mx



Civitas
(1)
L
320
AB
R2-R3
500.0
ml/mx



Harmonizer
(1)
L
20
AB
R2-R3
31.25
ml/mx


5
Headline
250 
EC
4
AB
R2-R3
6.25
ml/mx



Civitas
(1)
L
640
AB
R2-R3
1000.0
ml/mx



Harmonizer
(1)
L
40
AB
R2-R3
62.25
ml/mx


6
Civitas
(1)
L
640
AB
R2-R3
1000.0
ml/mx


7
Civitas
(1)
L
640
AB
R2-R3
1000.0
ml/mx



Harmonizer
(1)
L
40
AB
R2-R3
62.25
ml/mx


8
Headline
250 
EC
6
AB
R2-R3
9.375
ml/mx



Civitas
(1)
L
320
AB
R2-R3
500.
mlmx



Harmonizer
(1)
L
20
AB
R2-R3
31.25
ml/mx


9
Domark 230 ME
230 
ME
4
AB
R2-R3
6.25
ml/mx



Domark 230 ME
230 
ME
2
AB
R2-R3
3.12
ml/mx


10
Domark 230 ME
230 
ME
2
AB
R2-R3
3.125
ml/mx


11
Civitas
(1)
L
640
AB
R2-R3
1000.0
ml/mx


12
Domark 230 ME
230 
ME
2
AB
R2-R3
3.125
ml/mx



Civitas
(1)
L
320
AB
R2-R3
500.0
ml/mx



Harmonizer
(1)
L
20
AB
R2-R3
31.25
ml/mx


13
Domark 230 ME
230 
ME
2
AB
R2-R3
3.125
ml/mx



Civitas
(1)
L
640
AB
R2-R3
1000.0
ml/mx



Harmonizer
(1)
L
40
AB
R2-R3
62.5
ml/mx


14
Civitas
(1)
L
640
AB
R2-R3
1000.0
ml/mx


15
Civitas
(1)
L
640
AB
R2-R3
1000.0
ml/mx



Harmonizer
(1)

40
AB
R2-R3
62.5
ml/mx


16
Domark 230 ME
230 
ME
4
AB
R2-R3
6.25
ml/mx



Civitas
(1)
L
320
AB
R2-R3
500.0
ml/mx



Harmonizer
(1)
L
20
AB
R2-R3
31.25
ml/mx
















TABLE 13





Results of Soybean Rust Study.




















Pest Type
D Disease
D Disease
D Disease
D Disease
D Disease


Pest Name
SBR
SBR
SBR
SBR
SBR


Crop Name
Soy Bean
Soy Bean
Soy Bean
Soy Bean
Soy Bean


Rating Date
Oct. 21 
Oct. 21 
Oct. 21  
Oct. 21  
Nov. 17  


Rating Date Type
Defoliation
Incidence
Leaf Area
Severity
Yield


Rating Unit
%

%
Scale
Lb


Sample Size Unit




Plot


Days After First/Last


Applic
71/42
71/42
71/42
71/42
98/69













Trt
Treatment
1
2
3
4
5


No.
Name


 1
Headline
82.5 b-e
32.5 b-e
1.258 a
0.58 a 
23.755 a 


 2
Headline
76.3 e
62.5 ab 
3.423 a
1.45 ab
24.070 a 


 3
Headline
83.8 b-e
30.0 b-e
4.963 a
 1.20 abc
19.660 cd



Civitas


 4
Headline
81.3 b-e
32.5 b-e
0.378 a
 0.38 bcd
19.575 cd



Civitas



Harmonizer


 5
Headline
83.8 b-e

20.0 cde

0.213 a
0.30 cd
 18.868 cde



Civitas



Harmonizer


 6
Civitas
83.8 b-e
27.5 b-e
0.218 a
0.30 cd
 18.868 cde


 7
Civitas
88.8 ab 
50.0 a-d
1.405 a
 0.85 bcd
 18.325 def



Harmonizer



Headline

80.8 cde

30.0 b-e
0.275 a
0.33 cd
23.370 ab



Civitas



Harmonizer


 9
Domark 230 ME
77.5 de 
30.0 b-e
0.265 a
0.30 cd
23.370 ab


10
Domark 230 ME

87.5 abc


20.0 cde

0.158 a
0.20 cd
19.688 cd


11
Domark 230 ME

87.5 abc

5.0 e 
0.015 a
0.05 d 
 19.008 cde



Civitas


12
Domark 230 ME
85.0 a-d
17.5 de 
0.105 a
0.18 cd
21.030 bc



Civitas



Harmonizer


13
Domark 230 ME
92.2 a
12.5 de 
0.073 a
0.13 cd
16.560 ef



Civitas



Harmonizer


14
Civitas

86.3 abc


57.5 abc

1.460 a
 0.90 bcd
 18.925 cde


15
Civitas

87.2 abc

37.5 b-e
1.880 a
 0.75 bcd
16.143 f 



Harmonizer


16
Domark 230 ME
88.8 ab 
30.0 b-e
0.375 a
0.35 cd
 18.385 def



Civitas



Harmonizer


17
Untreated Control
82.5 b-e
82.5 a
6.233 a
2.20 a 
23.210 ab












LSD (P = .05)
7.52 
39.88 
4.0345 
1.082
2.4490 


Standard Deviation
5.26 
27.91 
2.8232 
0.757
1.7137 


CV
6.24 
82.15 
211.5     
124.35  
8.61 


Bartlett's x2
15.841 
22.741 
147.989    
64.207 
35.418 


P(Bartlett's X2)
0.393
0.121
0.001* 
0.001* 
0.003* 


Replicate F
2.920
3.678
2.208
3.515
3.563


Replicate Prob(F)
 0.0439
 0.0183
0.0992 
0.0220 
0.0208 


Treatment F
2.545
1.946
1.715
2.266
8.017


Treatment Prob(F)
 0.0069
 0.0387
0.0760 
0.0149 
0.0001 









Example 7. Control of Leaf Rust on Wheat

Leaf rust field trial was carried out on spring wheat cultivars. Spores from the spreader plots were served as innoculum source for the natural infection of experimental plots. Treatments were applied at heading (Feekes 10.1/10.2) using a CO2-powered backpack sprayer operating at the pressure of ca. 276 kPa, fitted with flat-fan spray tip (TeeJet SS8003; Spraying Systems Co., Wheaton, Ill.), at the rate of 20 gal per acre. Prosaro (Bayer Crop Science) was used as the standard chemical control.


Disease rating was done 19 days after chemical spray. Leaf rust severity was rated as percent leaf area infected on 12 randomly selected flag leaves per plot. Data were analyzed using ‘R’ statistical package. Data on leaf rust severity was transformed using square root and arcsin function for analysis of variance. Means presented for rust severity in the graph and tables are back transformed mean value.


The treatments of Civitas/Harmonizer (160:10 oz/acre) and Civitas/Harmonizer (320:20 oz/acre) resulted in significantly low rust infection compared to control plots. The efficacy of Civitas treatments are at par with the chemical standard Prosaro (6.5 oz/acre).












ANOVA table (Table 14):













Source
DF
MS
F-value
Prob > F

















Treatment
12
6.199
2.617
0.01157



Error
39
2.3686
. . .
. . .

















TABLE 15







Mean Comparisons Between Treatments:











Treatment
Mean
Group*







Untreated
2.81
a



Civitas/Harmonizer - 160:10 oz/acre
0.88
b



Prosaro - 6.5 oz/acre
0.77
b



Civitas/Harmonizer - 320:20 oz/acre
0.67
b







*Treatment with same letters are not statistically different






Example 8. Control of Gray Leaf Spot on Corns

Gray Leaf Spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis) field trial was conducted on hybrid corns (NK 67 3000GT) with natural infection. Civitas treatments were applied at R1 and R3 growth stage with the spray rate of 20 gal per acre. Headline (BASF) and Stratego (Bayer Crop Science) were applied at R1 as the standard chemical control.


Disease rating was done about 16 days and 40 days after R1 application. Gray leaf spot severity was rated as percent leaf area infected in the plots.


All of the chemical treatments resulted in lower disease severity than control plots.














TABLE 15









16 DAA
40 DAA


No of

application

% Leaf
% Leaf


treat-

rate (fl. oz
Growth
area
area


ment
Chemicals
product/A)
Stage
infected
infected





















untreated


2.5 A
12.0


1
Civitas +
640
R1 + R3
1.0 C
7.8



Harmonizer
40


2
Headline
6
R1
1.0 C
0.8


3
Stratego
10
R1
1.0 C
1.0









P > F
0.0084
<.0001


LSD 0.05
0.9
4.2


CV %
46
73









Although various embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, many adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention in accordance with the common general knowledge of those skilled in this art. Such modifications include the substitution of known equivalents for any aspect of the invention in order to achieve the same result in substantially the same way.


Example 9. Maple Tar Spot

Maple saplings (˜50 cm tall) were transplanted into pots containing 50% compost and 50% sand topdressing mix in May.


A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments (Table 16) and four replicate trees per treatment was set up. Each tree was sprayed twice with the same treatment (28 May and 16 June). Treatments were mixed by volume with deionized water.


For foliar treatments, up to 30 ml were applied by spraying both foliar surfaces (adaxial and abaxial) of all leaves on a tree until run-off while attempting to minimize dripping onto the soil. For soil treatments, 5.5 ml was applied to each pot, and 1.7 L of water was added, which was sufficient to drench the treatment into the soil without water leaching out at the bottom of the pot. Observations of the number of spots per plant were made in August. The data were subjected to Analysis of Variance, and means separated by the test of Least Significant Difference at p=0.05.









TABLE 16







Treatments applied to potted plants on 28 May


and 16 June 2009, and spots counted 17 August.












Application
Product/tree
Total water
Maple spots


Treatment
method
(mL)
volume
per tree














Control (water)
foliar
30
30
124a 


Civitas + Harmonizer
foliar
0.6 + 0.0375
30
19b


Civitas + Harmonizer
foliar
1.5 + 0.0938
30
16b


Civitas
foliar
0.6
30
51b


Civitas
foliar
0.275
30
111a 


Civitas
soil
0.3
5.5 mL
 67ab





followed by 1.7





L to water in


Civitas + Harmonizer
soil
0.275 + 0.0172 
5.5 mL
43b





followed by 1.7





L to water in









Civitas and Civitas+Harmonizer were applied either sprayed directly on the leaves or applied directly to the soil. The results demonstrate that Civitas or Civitas+harmonizer when applied to the soil was statistically just as effective as when applied foliarly. For soil applications, Civitas+harmonizer were more effective than Civitas alone.


Example 10. Evaluation of Civitas+Harmonizer for Management of Bacterial Speck on Processing Tomato Transplants

Materials & Methods


Tomato variety ‘TSH4’ was seeded into Fafard germination mix on January 4. Each replicate consisted of a 25 cell square cut from a 200-cell size transplant tray, for a total of 25 transplants per replicate or one plant per cell. Seeds were covered with a medium grind vermiculite, placed in a seed germination room for three days, and then moved to greenhouse. Replicates were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications per treatment. Plants were fertilized with 200 ppm of 20-20-20 (NPK) at 14, 20, 26, 30, 36, and 44 DAS.


The standard Kocide 2000 (copper hydroxide, 53.8%) treatment was applied 21, 25, 30, 38, and 45 days after seeding (DAS). The treatments were applied using a hand-held mist sprayer using an application rate of 1000 L of water Ha-1. Civitas and Harmonizer were applied 21 DAS. Soil injection treatments were applied by filling a syringe with 0.6 mL of solution, wiping the outside of the barrel with a cotton ball, and applying the solution to the growing media in each cell. Tray soak treatments were applied by soaking trays in the treatment solution until the trays were fully saturated.


Inoculum was prepared in tryptic soy broth, and diluted to a concentration 106 CFU mL-1 in sterile distilled water with 0.025% v/v Sylgard 309. After inoculation, the trial was enclosed in a plastic tent structure in order to maintain leaf wetness and relative humidity. Few symptoms were apparent 6 days after the first inoculation, so the trial was inoculated for a second time 31 DAS using a slurry tomato leaves infected with Pst (01T23B). Tomato leaves (28 g) were collected and blended with 200 mL of distilled water for 30 seconds. The mixture was filtered through 3 layers of cheese cloth, Sylgard 309 was added (0.025% v/v) was added, and the mixture was applied to the tomato plants using a handheld mist sprayer until run-off.


The number of lesions on all true leaves in each replicate was counted one each assessment date. Phytotoxicity symptoms were observed 19 days after the Civitas and Harmonizer treatments were applied in the injection application treatments. At the end of the study period, foliar weight was measured by removing plant from nine cells in the centre of each replicate, placing the plant material in paper envelopes in a drying oven (70° C.), and recording the dry weight. Samples to measure foliar dry weight were taken 49 DAS.


Statistical analysis was conducted using ARM 7 (Gylling Data Management, Brookings, S. Dak.). Data were tested for normality using Bartlett's homogeneity of variance test. Data which were not normal (P≤0.05) were transformed. Analysis of variance was conducted and means comparisons were performed when P≤0.05, with Duncan's new multiple range test.


Filtered through 3 layers of cheese cloth, Sylgard 309 was added (0.025% v/v) was added, and the mixture was applied to the tomato plants using a handheld mist sprayer until run-off.


The number of lesions on all true leaves in each replicate was counted one each assessment date.


Statistical analysis was conducted using ARM 7 (Gylling Data Management, Brookings, S. Dak.). Data were tested for normality using Bartlett's homogeneity of variance test. Data which were not normal (P≤0.05) were transformed. Analysis of variance was conducted and means comparisons were performed when P≤0.05, with Duncan's new multiple range test.


Results


The quality and yield of processing tomato can be greatly impacted by a number of diseases. For example, bacterial speck (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato) and bacterial spot, (primarily Xanthomonas vesicatoria Group B and X. gardneri Group D) have reduced yields in Ontario by up to 60% (Cupples et al. 2006, LeBoeuf et al. 2005). There are few effective management tools for these diseases other than sanitation and numerous applications of copper during transplant and field production.


One application of Civitas 5% v/v+Harmonizer 5% v/v, applied by soil injection or soaking transplant trays in the product solution, was as effective as five application of the standard bacteriacide Kocide 2000









TABLE 17







Number of lesions, area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and foliar dry


weight of plants treated with different products for management of bacterial


speck on processing tomato variety ‘TSH 4’ grown under greenhouse conditions












Application
Application
# Lesions (per 25 plants)
















Treatment
method
rate
0DPI
3DPI
6DPI
0DPI
4DPI
UDPC


















Nontreated control


.7
.4
3.8
9.9
0.6
22.2


Kocide 2000
Foliar
3.2 kg/Ha
.7
.2
.5
7.6
7.8
43.4


Civitas + Harmonizer
Soil injection
5% + 5%

.1
3.2
3
3.4
61.2


Civitas + Harmonizer
soak
5% + 5%
.5

.3
6.7
2.8
49.6









Example 11. Evaluation of Civitas and Harmonizer for the Management of Bacterial Spot and Bacterial Speck in Processing Tomato Under Field Conditions

PEST(S): Bacterial spot (Xanthomonas gardneri syn. Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria Group D); bacterial speck (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato).


MATERIALS: Kocide 2000 (copper hydroxide 53.8%), Civitas and Civitas Harmonizer.


METHODS: Tomato transplants (cv. H9909) were transplanted into twin-rows on June 6 using a mechanical transplanter at a rate of 3 plants per metre. Each set of twin-rows were spaced 1.5 m apart. Each treatment plot was 7 m long and consisted of one twin-row. The trial was setup as a randomized complete block design, with 4 replications per treatment.


Foliar treatments were applied using a 1.5 m boom hand-held CO2 sprayer (35 psi) with XULD 120-02 nozzles and water volume of 200 L Ha-1. Soak treatments were applied just prior to transplanting on June 6. Plug trays (288-cell size) were cut into 4 sections of 72 plants each. Each tray section was individually treated and used for one replicated plot. The moisture content was determined by removing five plugs of soilless mix from the tray and measuring percent water content using an Extech Soil Moisture Meter M0750 (Extech Instruments Corporation, Nashua, N.H.). Treatment solution (1.5 L) for each plot was placed in a kitty litter contained and each tray was soaked in the solution for one hour. After removing the tray from the solution, the remaining volume was recorded and the volume of solution absorbed by the section of transplant tray was calculated. The mean volume absorbed per plug was 6.2 mL for treatment Civitas 5% v/v+Harmonizer 5% v/v. In-furrow treatments were applied at the time of transplanting. The treatment solution was mixed in a 2 L bottle and applied using CO2 pressure. A nozzle (Lumark 015-F110) was installed in the transplant show, in front of the transplant kicker. Treatments were delivered at a rate of 540 mL Ha-1 (40.5 mL per twin row). Transplant water was also used at the time of planting at a rate of 2.4 L Ha-1.


The trial was inoculated with Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Group D) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato on June 16 at a concentration of ˜106 CFU ml-1. Inoculum was applied using a hand-held 2 m CO2 boom sprayer with ULD 120-02 nozzles at a pressure of 35 psi, and water volume of 200 L Ha-1. Symptoms of bacterial disease began to appear in the trial within 10 days after inoculation, so the trial was not re-inoculated.


The trial was irrigated using a drip irrigation system as required throughout the growing season. Revus (mandipropamid) was applied on July 26 and August 7 for preventative protection from late blight.


Bacterial spot and bacterial speck was assessed on June 29, July 5, August 2, 8, and 16 by counting the number of infected leaves on five plants in each plot and estimating the percent defoliation. Percent defoliation was also estimated on September 12.









TABLE 18







Number of leaves infected with bacterial spot or bacterial speck, and area


under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), on five tomato plants in plots


treated with different products for bacterial disease management











Application
No. Infected leaves















Treatment
method/rate
June 29
July 5
Aug 2
Aug 8
Aug 16
AUDPC

















Nontreated control

0.8
45
4.8
20.8
76.8
611.8


Kocide 2000
Foliar(BCD):
0.0
2.0
4.8
16.8
23
324.0



3.2 kg/Ha


Civitas + Harmonizer
Soak(A):
0.3
2.3
3.5
4.8
53.3
344.8



5% + 5%


Civitas + Harmonizer
In
0.5
1.3
9.8
6.0
26.8
339.0



furrow(A):



5% + 5%





Application date: A = June 6, B = June 15, C = June 20, D = June 27. All foliar treatments were applied using water volume of 200 L Ha-1.






One application of Civitas+Harmonizer applied by soaking transplant trays in the product solution or applied in furrow, was as effective as three applications of the standard bacteriacide Kocide 2000.


Example 12

Soil application of Civitas is effective against early blight of tomato. Early blight of tomato, caused by the fungus, Alternaria solani, can be the most common foliar disease of tomatoes in eastern North America. It can also be a serious problem on potato. Preliminary evidence shows that application of Civiatas to soil results in fewer leaf lesions due to tomato early blight and an approx. 10 fold increase in endophytiic bacteria living inside the roots of the tomato plants. There are at least four species of bacteria that are affected by Civitas in the tomato roots. See Table 19.









TABLE 19







Bacterial endophyte populations in roots of N. benthamiana


at 7 days following soil application of 10% Civitas, or water.












Water1
Civitas



Bacteria
(CFU/g root)
(CFU/g root)








Bacillus

ND2
3.75E+04 




cereus LW1





Bacillus

5.25E+04a
1.05E+05a




megaterium LW2





Pseudomonas

1.33E+06b
3.01E+07a



sp. LW3




Bacillus

2.21E+05a
5.23E+05a



simplex LW4




Bacillus

3.57E+03 
1.68E+04 




pumilis LW5





Pseudomonas

4.77E+06a
8.57E+06a




alcaligenes SW1





Bacillus

1.33E+04a
7.64E+04a




marisflavi LY1





Bacillus

1.95E+05a
1.25E+05a




massiliensis SY1




Total
6.52E+06b
3.95E+07a








1Means averaged from 5 experiments (120301, 110719, 110712, 110705 and110628), with 3 plants per experiment for a total of 15 measurements per endophyte. To test for significant differences among the ehdophytes, an analysis of variance using SAS procedure GLM was performed. The test of Least Significant Difference (LSD) was used to separate means. Means followed by a letter in common are not significantly different (p = 0.05).





2Not detected.







Citation of references herein is not an admission that such references are prior art to the present invention. Any priority document(s) and all publications, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein and as though fully set forth herein.


The invention includes all embodiments and variations substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the examples. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims
  • 1-49. (canceled)
  • 50. A method for protecting a plant from a disease caused by fungi or bacteria or for increasing the amount of endophytic bacteria in the roots of a plant, which comprises applying a composition comprising a paraffinic oil and a metal phthalocyanine pigment to root tissue of the plant.
  • 51. The method according to claim 50, wherein the composition is applied by one or more of the following: as a bolus, by soil drenching, by drip irrigation, or by soil injection.
  • 52. The method according to claim 50, wherein the aerial portion of the plant is free of the composition.
  • 53. The method according to claim 50, further comprising applying one or more conventional chemical fungicides to the plant.
  • 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the one or more conventional chemical fungicides is applied to an aerial portion of the plant.
  • 55. The method according to claim 50, wherein the plant is a crop plant.
  • 56. The method according to claim 55, wherein the composition further comprises from 50 to 99 parts per weight of water.
  • 57. The method according to claim 56, wherein the composition is an oil-in-water emulsion.
  • 58. The method according to claim 50, wherein the composition is applied to a growing medium that is in proximity to a base and root system of the plant, wherein the amount of the composition that is applied to the growing medium is sufficient to penetrate the growing medium and contact the root tissue for uptake by the plant.
  • 59. The method according to claim 50, wherein the plant is a tree.
  • 60. The method according to claim 59, wherein the composition further comprises 5 to 99 parts per weight of water.
  • 61. The method according to claim 50, wherein the paraffinic oil comprises an isoparaffin.
  • 62. The method according to claim 50, wherein the composition further comprises an emulsifier.
  • 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the weight ratio of the paraffinic oil to the emulsifier is from 10:1 to 500:1.
  • 64. The method according to claim 50, wherein the pigment is a polychlorinated Cu(II) phthalocyanine.
  • 65. The method according to claim 50, wherein the weight ratio of the paraffinic oil to the pigment is from 1:5 to 100:1.
  • 66. The method according to claim 50, wherein the composition further comprises a silicone surfactant.
  • 67. The method according to claim 66, wherein the weight ratio of the pigment to the silicone surfactant is from 2:1 to 50:1.
  • 68. The method according to claim 50, wherein the method is for controlling a disease caused by a fungal pathogen.
  • 69. The method according to claim 50, wherein the method is for increasing the amount of endophytic bacteria living inside the roots of the plant.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/125,919, filed on Dec. 12, 2013, which is the U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2012/050401, filed Jun. 13, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/496,500, filed Jun. 13, 2011. The contents of the above applications are incorporated by reference herein their entirety.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
61496500 Jun 2011 US
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 14125919 May 2014 US
Child 16865268 US