Synergistic herbicidal combinations

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 12070034
  • Patent Number
    12,070,034
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, July 31, 2018
    6 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, August 27, 2024
    3 months ago
Abstract
A herbicidal combination comprising at least two synthetic auxins, or at least two synthetic auxins with at least one ALS inhibitor, a composition comprising these combinations, a method of use of these combinations and a kit comprising the components of these combinations.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application of PCT/IB2018/055716 filed on Jul. 31, 2018, which claims the benefit of Indian Application No. IN 201731028212, filed on Aug. 8, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.


TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a herbicidal combination for controlling undesirable plants. The present invention more specifically relates to a synergistic combination of herbicides for controlling weeds.


BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Unwanted plants such as weeds effect soil resources available for cultivated crops and can lead to a decrease in yield and eventually crop loss. Modern herbicides are used to either control or suppress these undesirable plants so as to allow sown crops a greater share of nutrients. Farmers usually control these plants at the pre-plant stage as well as after sowing.


Current practices include combining herbicides with varied modes of action, which allows for broader spectrum of control and resistance management. The herbicidal effectiveness of a compound cannot be predicted from an examination of the substituent groups of the compound. Often quite closely related compounds possess different weed control abilities. Various herbicides of the same class of compounds may have complementary areas of activity and thus can be useful to control a variety of weeds upon application of a combination. Furthermore, the various herbicides are not completely effective so as to control all the infesting weeds in a field crop, which necessitates the use of herbicidal combinations.


Synthetic Auxins are used for controlling broadleaf weeds in grass crops, pastures, and industry. These are readily absorbed through both roots and foliage and translocate by phloem or xylem to meristematic tissue interfering with cell formation that results in abnormal root and shoot growth. Application of these herbicides results in the disruption of several growth processes in susceptible plants which likely affects cell wall plasticity and nucleic acid metabolism as well as protein synthesis, cell division and growth, and stimulate ethylene evolution, which may in some cases produce the characteristic epinastic symptoms associated with exposure to these herbicides.


Picloram is a synthetic auxin which controls broadleaf weeds. Combination of Picloram with other herbicides are known from WO2014093210A1 (Ovalle et. al) or WO2014202092A1 (Schlosser et. al). Ovalle et al teach a combination comprising picloram with aminocyclopyrachlor. Schlosser et al teach a combination comprising picloram and pethoxamid.


2,4-D is a synthetic auxin used for the control of broad-leaved weeds. Combinations of 2,4D with other herbicides are known in the prior art including glyphosate (WO2010123871 A1), glufosinate (WO2015089014 A1) and other herbicides.


Herbicides that inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme are broad spectrum herbicides. These herbicides are an excellent tool for controlling post emergent herbicide for broad leaf weed control in various crops.


Combinations of herbicides are used to control a broader range of weeds. However, the combination of herbicides may not always result in the desired effect. Combination of herbicides may lead to an additive effect or an antagonistic effect. It may also result in phytotoxicity to the crops making it an undesirable combination. Agronomists must therefore, carefully select the herbicides that can be combined to offer a synergistic effect that would control weeds while having no phytotoxic effect on the crop, and reduce the chances of development of herbicide resistant weeds. There still remains a need for improved herbicidal combinations that can effectively control weeds thereby improving yield and plant health, with reduced phytotoxicity.


There is therefore a need in the art for combinations that have advantageous properties such as an herbicidal combination that is synergistic, helps in resistance management, reduces dosage of herbicides used thus causing minimal damage to the environment, or a herbicidal combination that has excellent residual effects.


Embodiments of the present invention may therefore ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned problems:


OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal combination.


Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling weeds at a locus by application of a synergistic herbicidal combination.


Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition comprising a synergistic herbicidal combination.


Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling herbicide resistant weeds.


Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of increasing yield in a crop by application of a synergistic herbicidal combination.


Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of improving the plant health by application of a synergistic herbicidal combination.


Some or all these and other objects of the invention can be achieved by way of the invention described hereinafter.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A herbicidal combination comprising at least two synthetic auxin herbicides and at least one ALS inhibitor herbicide.


A method of controlling weeds at a locus, the method comprising applying a combination comprising at least two synthetic auxin herbicides and at least one ALS inhibitor herbicide to the locus.


A composition comprising at least two synthetic auxin herbicides; at least one ALS inhibitor herbicide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.


A method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising applying a composition comprising at least two synthetic auxin herbicides; at least one ALS inhibitor herbicide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.







DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term herbicide, as used herein, shall mean an active ingredient that kills, controls or otherwise adversely modifies the growth of plants. As used herein, a herbicidally effective or vegetation controlling amount is an amount of active ingredient that causes a “herbicidal effect,” i.e., an adversely modifying effect and includes deviations from natural development, killing, regulation, desiccation, or retardation. The terms “plants” and “vegetation” include, but are not limited to, germinant seeds, emerging seedlings, plants emerging from vegetative propagules, and established vegetation. The term “locus” as used herein shall denote the vicinity of a desired crop in which weed control, typically selective weed control is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein the weed infestation has either emerged or is yet to emerge. The term crop shall include a multitude of desired crop plants or an individual crop plant growing at a locus.


The present inventors have found that the combination of herbicides belonging to classes of synthetic auxins with ALS inhibitor herbicides results in a synergistic control of undesirable plants, at the locus of the desirable crop plants.


Thus an embodiment of the present invention may be a herbicidal combination comprising at least two synthetic auxins and at least one ALS inhibitor herbicide.


The synthetic auxins of the present invention may be selected from (2,4-D); 2,4-DB; dicamba; chloramben; 2,4,5-T; clomeprop; dichlorprop; dichlorprop-P; MCPA; MCPB; mecoprop; aminopyralid; clopyralid; fluroxypyr; halauxifen-methyl; picloram; triclopyr; aminocyclopyrachlor; quinclorac; quinmerac and their salts; and esters thereof.


In an embodiment, the combination of the present invention comprises at least two synthetic auxins.


In an embodiment, the synthetic auxins of the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4-D and dicamba; 2,4-D and MCPA; 2,4-D and fluroxypyr; 2,4-D and halauxifen-methyl; 2,4-D and picloram; 2,4-D and triclopyr; 2,4-D and quinclorac; 2,4-D and quinmerac; dicamba and MCPA; dicamba and fluroxypyr; dicamba and halauxifen-methyl; dicamba and picloram; dicamba and triclopyr; dicamba and quinclorac; dicamba and quinmerac; MCPA and fluroxypyr; MCPA and halauxifen-methyl; MCPA and picloram; MCPA and triclopyr; MCPA and quinclorac; MCPA and quinmerac; fluroxypyr and halauxifen-methyl; fluroxypyr and picloram; fluroxypyr and triclopyr; fluroxypyr and quinclorac; fluroxypyr and quinmerac; halauxifen-methyl and picloram; halauxifen-methyl and triclopyr; halauxifen-methyl and quinclorac; halauxifen-methyl and quinmerac; picloram and triclopyr; picloram and quinmerac; picloram and quinclorac; triclopyr and quinclorac; triclopyr and quinmerac; and quinclorac and quinmerac.


In an embodiment, at least two synthetic auxins of the present invention are 2,4-D and picloram.


In an embodiment, at least two synthetic auxins of the present invention may be halauxifen-methyl and picloram.


In an embodiment, the synthetic auxins of the present invention may be a combination of 2,4-D, picloram and triclopyr.


ALS inhibitor herbicides cover a wide chemical class of compounds including sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, triazolopyrimidines, and pyrimidinyl thiobenzoates.


In an embodiment, the ALS inhibitor herbicides are sulfonylurea herbicides.


Sulfonylurea herbicides are known in the art. Examples of such sulfonylurea herbicides include rimsulfuron, metsulfuron, metsulfuron methyl, bensulfuron methyl, ethametsulfuron, nicosulfuron, triasulfuron, primisulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, sulfometuron, thifensulfuron, tribenuron, triflusuluron, clopyrasulfuron and pyrazosulfuron.


Thus, an aspect of the present invention may provide synergistic combinations of:

    • (a) at least two synthetic auxins selected from the group comprising (2,4-D), 2,4-DB, dicamba, chloramben, 2,4,5-T, clomeprop, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-P, MCPA, MCPB, mecoprop, aminopyralid, clopyralid, fluroxypyr, halauxifen-methyl, picloram, triclopyr, aminocyclopyrachlor, quinclorac, quinmerac; and
    • (b) at least one ALS inhibitor herbicide selected from sulfonylurea herbicides.


Thus, in an embodiment, the sulfonylurea herbicide may be selected from the group consisting of amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, mesosulfuron, metazosulfuron, methiopyrisulfuron, monosulfuron, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, propyrisulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, trifloxysulfuron, zuomihuanglong, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, ethametsulfuron, iodosulfuron, iofensulfuron, metsulfuron, prosulfuron, thifensulfuron, triasulfuron, tribenuron, triflusulfuron, and tritosulfuron.


Thus, an aspect of the present invention may provide synergistic combinations of:

    • (a) a synthetic auxins combination selected from the group consisting of 2,4-D and dicamba; 2,4-D and MCPA; 2,4-D and fluroxypyr; 2,4-D and halauxifen-methyl; 2,4-D and picloram; 2,4-D and triclopyr; 2,4-D and quinclorac; 2,4-D and quinmerac; dicamba and MCPA; dicamba and fluroxypyr; dicamba and halauxifen-methyl; dicamba and picloram; dicamba and triclopyr; dicamba and quinclorac; dicamba and quinmerac; MCPA and fluroxypyr; MCPA and halauxifen-methyl; MCPA and picloram; MCPA and triclopyr; MCPA and quinclorac; MCPA and quinmerac; fluroxypyr and halauxifen-methyl; fluroxypyr and picloram; fluroxypyr and triclopyr; fluroxypyr and quinclorac; fluroxypyr and quinmerac; halauxifen-methyl and picloram; halauxifen-methyl and triclopyr; halauxifen-methyl and quinclorac; halauxifen-methyl and quinmerac; picloram and triclopyr; picloram and quinmerac; picloram and quinclorac; triclopyr and quinclorac; triclopyr and quinmerac; and quinclorac and quinmerac; and
    • (b) a sulfonylurea herbicide selected from the group consisting of amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, mesosulfuron, metazosulfuron, methiopyrisulfuron, monosulfuron, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron,
      • primisulfuron, propyrisulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, trifloxysulfuron, zuomihuanglong, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, ethametsulfuron, iodosulfuron, iofensulfuron, metsulfuron, prosulfuron, thifensulfuron, triasulfuron, tribenuron, triflusulfuron, and tritosulfuron.


In an embodiment, the sulfonylurea herbicide is metsulfuron methyl.


Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a combination comprising:

    • (a) picloram;
    • (b) 2,4-D; and
    • (c) Metsulfuron methyl.


In an embodiment, the ALS inhibitor herbicide may be imidazolinone herbicide.


In an embodiment, the imidazolinone herbicide may be selected from the group consisting of imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin and imazethapyr.


In an embodiment, the ALS inhibitor herbicide may be triazolopyrimidine herbicide.


In an embodiment, the triazolopyrimidine herbicide may be selected from the group consisting of chloransulam, diclosulam, florasulam, flumetsulam, metosulam, penoxsulam and pyroxsulam.


In an embodiment, the ALS inhibitor herbicide may be a pyrimidinyl benzoic acid herbicide.


In an embodiment, the pyrimidinyl benzoic acid herbicide may be selected from bispyribac, pyriminobac and pyrithiobac.


In an embodiment, the combinations of the present invention include the following preferred combinations.


In an embodiment, each individual row appearing in the table below represents the combinations in an embodiment of the present invention.















S No.
Synethetic auxin I
Synthetic auxin II
ALS inhibitor


















1
2,4-D
Dicamba
Metsulfuron methyl


2
2,4-D
Dicamba
Bensulfuron methyl


3
2,4-D
Dicamba
Pyrazosulfuron


4
2,4-D
Dicamba
Imazamox


5
2,4-D
Dicamba
Imazapic


6
2,4-D
Dicamba
Imazapyr


7
2,4-D
Dicamba
Imazethapyr


8
2,4-D
Dicamba
Penoxsulam


9
2,4-D
Dicamba
Pyroxsulam


10
2,4-D
Dicamba
Bispyribac


11
2,4-D
MCPA
Metsulfuron methyl


12
2,4-D
MCPA
Bensulfuron methyl


13
2,4-D
MCPA
Pyrazosulfuron


14
2,4-D
MCPA
Imazamox


15
2,4-D
MCPA
Imazapic


16
2,4-D
MCPA
Imazapyr


17
2,4-D
MCPA
Imazethapyr


18
2,4-D
MCPA
Penoxsulam


19
2,4-D
MCPA
Pyroxsulam


20
2,4-D
MCPA
Bispyribac


21
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Metsulfuron methyl


22
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Bensulfuron methyl


23
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Pyrazosulfuron


24
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Imazamox


25
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Imazapic


26
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Imazapyr


27
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Imazethapyr


28
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Penoxsulam


29
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Pyroxsulam


30
2,4-D
Fluroxypyr
Bispyribac


31
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Metsulfuron methyl


32
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Bensulfuron methyl


33
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Pyrazosulfuron


34
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazamox


35
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazapic


36
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazapyr


37
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazethapyr


38
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Penoxsulam


39
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Pyroxsulam


40
2,4-D
Halauxifen-methyl
Bispyribac


41
2,4-D
Picloram
Metsulfuron methyl


42
2,4-D
Picloram
Bensulfuron methyl


43
2,4-D
Picloram
Pyrazosulfuron


44
2,4-D
Picloram
Imazamox


45
2,4-D
Picloram
Imazapic


46
2,4-D
Picloram
Imazapyr


47
2,4-D
Picloram
Imazethapyr


48
2,4-D
Picloram
Penoxsulam


49
2,4-D
Picloram
Pyroxsulam


50
2,4-D
Picloram
Bispyribac


51
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Metsulfuron methyl


52
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Bensulfuron methyl


53
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Pyrazosulfuron


54
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Imazamox


55
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Imazapic


56
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Imazapyr


57
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Imazethapyr


58
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Penoxsulam


59
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Pyroxsulam


60
2,4-D
Triclopyr
Bispyribac


61
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Metsulfuron methyl


62
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Bensulfuron methyl


63
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Pyrazosulfuron


64
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Imazamox


65
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Imazapic


66
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Imazapyr


67
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Imazethapyr


68
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Penoxsulam


69
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Pyroxsulam


70
2,4-D
Quinclorac
Bispyribac


71
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Metsulfuron methyl


72
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Bensulfuron methyl


73
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Pyrazosulfuron


74
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Imazamox


75
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Imazapic


76
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Imazapyr


77
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Imazethapyr


78
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Penoxsulam


79
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Pyroxsulam


80
2,4-D
Quinmerac
Bispyribac


81
Dicamba
MCPA
Metsulfuron methyl


82
Dicamba
MCPA
Bensulfuron methyl


83
Dicamba
MCPA
Pyrazosulfuron


84
Dicamba
MCPA
Imazamox


85
Dicamba
MCPA
Imazapic


86
Dicamba
MCPA
Imazapyr


87
Dicamba
MCPA
Imazethapyr


88
Dicamba
MCPA
Penoxsulam


89
Dicamba
MCPA
Pyroxsulam


90
Dicamba
MCPA
Bispyribac


91
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Metsulfuron methyl


92
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Bensulfuron methyl


93
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Pyrazosulfuron


94
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Imazamox


95
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Imazapic


96
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Imazapyr


97
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Imazethapyr


98
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Penoxsulam


99
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Pyroxsulam


100
Dicamba
Fluroxypyr
Bispyribac


101
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Metsulfuron methyl


102
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Bensulfuron methyl


103
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Pyrazosulfuron


104
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazamox


105
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazapic


106
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazapyr


107
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazethapyr


108
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Penoxsulam


109
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Pyroxsulam


110
Dicamba
Halauxifen-methyl
Bispyribac


111
Dicamba
Picloram
Metsulfuron methyl


112
Dicamba
Picloram
Bensulfuron methyl


113
Dicamba
Picloram
Pyrazosulfuron


114
Dicamba
Picloram
Imazamox


115
Dicamba
Picloram
Imazapic


116
Dicamba
Picloram
Imazapyr


117
Dicamba
Picloram
Imazethapyr


118
Dicamba
Picloram
Penoxsulam


119
Dicamba
Picloram
Pyroxsulam


120
Dicamba
Picloram
Bispyribac


121
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Metsulfuron methyl


122
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Bensulfuron methyl


123
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Pyrazosulfuron


124
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Imazamox


125
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Imazapic


126
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Imazapyr


127
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Imazethapyr


128
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Penoxsulam


129
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Pyroxsulam


130
Dicamba
Triclopyr
Bispyribac


131
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Metsulfuron methyl


132
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Bensulfuron methyl


133
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Pyrazosulfuron


134
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Imazamox


135
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Imazapic


136
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Imazapyr


137
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Imazethapyr


138
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Penoxsulam


139
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Pyroxsulam


140
Dicamba
Quinclorac
Bispyribac


141
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Metsulfuron methyl


142
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Bensulfuron methyl


143
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Pyrazosulfuron


144
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Imazamox


145
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Imazapic


146
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Imazapyr


147
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Imazethapyr


148
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Penoxsulam


149
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Pyroxsulam


150
Dicamba
Quinmerac
Bispyribac


151
MCPA
Dicamba
Metsulfuron methyl


152
MCPA
Dicamba
Bensulfuron methyl


153
MCPA
Dicamba
Pyrazosulfuron


154
MCPA
Dicamba
Imazamox


155
MCPA
Dicamba
Imazapic


156
MCPA
Dicamba
Imazapyr


157
MCPA
Dicamba
Imazethapyr


158
MCPA
Dicamba
Penoxsulam


159
MCPA
Dicamba
Pyroxsulam


160
MCPA
Dicamba
Bispyribac


161
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Metsulfuron methyl


162
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Bensulfuron methyl


163
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Pyrazosulfuron


164
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Imazamox


165
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Imazapic


166
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Imazapyr


167
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Imazethapyr


168
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Penoxsulam


169
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Pyroxsulam


170
MCPA
Fluroxypyr
Bispyribac


171
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Metsulfuron methyl


172
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Bensulfuron methyl


173
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Pyrazosulfuron


174
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazamox


175
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazapic


176
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazapyr


177
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazethapyr


178
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Penoxsulam


179
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Pyroxsulam


180
MCPA
Halauxifen-methyl
Bispyribac


181
MCPA
Picloram
Metsulfuron methyl


182
MCPA
Picloram
Bensulfuron methyl


183
MCPA
Picloram
Pyrazosulfuron


184
MCPA
Picloram
Imazamox


185
MCPA
Picloram
Imazapic


186
MCPA
Picloram
Imazapyr


187
MCPA
Picloram
Imazethapyr


188
MCPA
Picloram
Penoxsulam


189
MCPA
Picloram
Pyroxsulam


190
MCPA
Picloram
Bispyribac


191
MCPA
Triclopyr
Metsulfuron methyl


192
MCPA
Triclopyr
Bensulfuron methyl


193
MCPA
Triclopyr
Pyrazosulfuron


194
MCPA
Triclopyr
Imazamox


195
MCPA
Triclopyr
Imazapic


196
MCPA
Triclopyr
Imazapyr


197
MCPA
Triclopyr
Imazethapyr


198
MCPA
Triclopyr
Penoxsulam


199
MCPA
Triclopyr
Pyroxsulam


200
MCPA
Triclopyr
Bispyribac


201
MCPA
Quinclorac
Metsulfuron methyl


202
MCPA
Quinclorac
Bensulfuron methyl


203
MCPA
Quinclorac
Pyrazosulfuron


204
MCPA
Quinclorac
Imazamox


205
MCPA
Quinclorac
Imazapic


206
MCPA
Quinclorac
Imazapyr


207
MCPA
Quinclorac
Imazethapyr


208
MCPA
Quinclorac
Penoxsulam


209
MCPA
Quinclorac
Pyroxsulam


210
MCPA
Quinclorac
Bispyribac


211
MCPA
Quinmerac
Metsulfuron methyl


212
MCPA
Quinmerac
Bensulfuron methyl


213
MCPA
Quinmerac
Pyrazosulfuron


214
MCPA
Quinmerac
Imazamox


215
MCPA
Quinmerac
Imazapic


216
MCPA
Quinmerac
Imazapyr


217
MCPA
Quinmerac
Imazethapyr


218
MCPA
Quinmerac
Penoxsulam


219
MCPA
Quinmerac
Pyroxsulam


220
MCPA
Quinmerac
Bispyribac


221
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Metsulfuron methyl


222
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Bensulfuron methyl


223
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Pyrazosulfuron


224
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazamox


225
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazapic


226
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazapyr


227
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Imazethapyr


228
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Penoxsulam


229
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Pyroxsulam


230
Fluroxypyr
Halauxifen-methyl
Bispyribac


231
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Metsulfuron methyl


232
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Bensulfuron methyl


233
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Pyrazosulfuron


234
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Imazamox


235
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Imazapic


236
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Imazapyr


237
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Imazethapyr


238
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Penoxsulam


239
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Pyroxsulam


240
Fluroxypyr
Picloram
Bispyribac


241
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Metsulfuron methyl


242
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Bensulfuron methyl


243
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Pyrazosulfuron


244
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Imazamox


245
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Imazapic


246
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Imazapyr


247
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Imazethapyr


248
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Penoxsulam


249
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Pyroxsulam


250
Fluroxypyr
Triclopyr
Bispyribac


251
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Metsulfuron methyl


252
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Bensulfuron methyl


253
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Pyrazosulfuron


254
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Imazamox


255
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Imazapic


256
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Imazapyr


257
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Imazethapyr


258
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Penoxsulam


259
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Pyroxsulam


260
Fluroxypyr
Quinclorac
Bispyribac


261
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Metsulfuron methyl


262
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Bensulfuron methyl


263
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Pyrazosulfuron


264
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Imazamox


265
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Imazapic


266
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Imazapyr


267
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Imazethapyr


268
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Penoxsulam


269
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Pyroxsulam


270
Fluroxypyr
Quinmerac
Bispyribac


271
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Metsulfuron methyl


272
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Bensulfuron methyl


273
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Pyrazosulfuron


274
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Imazamox


275
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Imazapic


276
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Imazapyr


277
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Imazethapyr


278
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Penoxsulam


279
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Pyroxsulam


280
Halauxifen-methyl
Picloram
Bispyribac


281
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Metsulfuron methyl


282
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Bensulfuron methyl


283
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Pyrazosulfuron


284
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Imazamox


285
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Imazapic


286
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Imazapyr


287
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Imazethapyr


288
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Penoxsulam


289
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Pyroxsulam


290
Halauxifen-methyl
Triclopyr
Bispyribac


291
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Metsulfuron methyl


292
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Bensulfuron methyl


293
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Pyrazosulfuron


294
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Imazamox


295
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Imazapic


296
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Imazapyr


297
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Imazethapyr


298
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Penoxsulam


299
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Pyroxsulam


300
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinclorac
Bispyribac


301
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Metsulfuron methyl


302
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Bensulfuron methyl


303
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Pyrazosulfuron


304
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Imazamox


305
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Imazapic


306
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Imazapyr


307
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Imazethapyr


308
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Penoxsulam


309
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Pyroxsulam


310
Halauxifen-methyl
Quinmerac
Bispyribac


311
Picloram
Triclopyr
Metsulfuron methyl


312
Picloram
Triclopyr
Bensulfuron methyl


313
Picloram
Triclopyr
Pyrazosulfuron


314
Picloram
Triclopyr
Imazamox


315
Picloram
Triclopyr
Imazapic


316
Picloram
Triclopyr
Imazapyr


317
Picloram
Triclopyr
Imazethapyr


318
Picloram
Triclopyr
Penoxsulam


319
Picloram
Triclopyr
Pyroxsulam


320
Picloram
Triclopyr
Bispyribac


321
Picloram
Quinclorac
Metsulfuron methyl


322
Picloram
Quinclorac
Bensulfuron methyl


323
Picloram
Quinclorac
Pyrazosulfuron


324
Picloram
Quinclorac
Imazamox


325
Picloram
Quinclorac
Imazapic


326
Picloram
Quinclorac
Imazapyr


327
Picloram
Quinclorac
Imazethapyr


328
Picloram
Quinclorac
Penoxsulam


329
Picloram
Quinclorac
Pyroxsulam


330
Picloram
Quinclorac
Bispyribac


331
Picloram
Quinmerac
Metsulfuron methyl


332
Picloram
Quinmerac
Bensulfuron methyl


333
Picloram
Quinmerac
Pyrazosulfuron


334
Picloram
Quinmerac
Imazamox


335
Picloram
Quinmerac
Imazapic


336
Picloram
Quinmerac
Imazapyr


337
Picloram
Quinmerac
Imazethapyr


338
Picloram
Quinmerac
Penoxsulam


339
Picloram
Quinmerac
Pyroxsulam


340
Picloram
Quinmerac
Bispyribac


341
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Metsulfuron methyl


342
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Bensulfuron methyl


343
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Pyrazosulfuron


344
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Imazamox


345
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Imazapic


346
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Imazapyr


347
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Imazethapyr


348
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Penoxsulam


349
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Pyroxsulam


350
Triclopyr
Quinclorac
Bispyribac


351
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Metsulfuron methyl


352
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Bensulfuron methyl


353
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Pyrazosulfuron


354
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Imazamox


355
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Imazapic


356
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Imazapyr


357
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Imazethapyr


358
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Penoxsulam


359
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Pyroxsulam


360
Triclopyr
Quinmerac
Bispyribac


361
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Metsulfuron methyl


362
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Bensulfuron methyl


363
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Pyrazosulfuron


364
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Imazamox


365
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Imazapic


366
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Imazapyr


367
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Imazethapyr


368
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Penoxsulam


369
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Pyroxsulam


370
Quinclorac
Quinmerac
Bispyribac









In an embodiment, the present invention may provide a combination comprising the three herbicides as listed in each individual row from row 1 to row 370 in the table above.


Another aspect of the present invention may provide a composition.


In an embodiment, the composition may comprise the combination comprising the three herbicides as listed in each individual row from row 1 to row 370 in the table above along with an agrochemically acceptable excipient.


Thus, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a composition comprising:

    • (a) picloram;
    • (b) 2,4D;
    • (c) metsulfuron methyl; and
    • (d) agrochemically acceptable adjuvants.


The combination may be applied to the locus of the weeds in an herbicidally effective amount. The selection of the appropriate effective amounts depends on the density of weed infestation, weather patterns, crop health and many other factors, which may be made conveniently by a person skilled in the art. The effective amounts of these herbicides in the synergistic combination of the present invention is not particularly limiting.


In an embodiment, the combination of the present invention may be combined with at least one other active ingredient selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, biological agents, plant growth activators, fertilizers or combinations thereof.


Thus, in an embodiment, the combination of the present invention may be combined with another herbicide. Exemplary herbicides that may be combined with the combination of the present invention may be selected from, but not limited to, herbicides belonging to classes such as ACCase inhibitors, EPSP synthase inhibitors, auxin transport inhibitors, glutamate synthase inhibitors, HPPD inhibitors, lipid synthesis inhibitors, long chain fatty acid inhibitors, as well as herbicides with unknown modes of action.


In an embodiment, the total amount of synthetic auxins in the composition may typically be in the range of 0.1 to 99% by weight, preferably 0.2 to 90% by weight. The total amount of sulfonylurea herbicide in the composition may be in the range of 0.1 to 99% by weight.


In an embodiment, the constituent herbicides of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in ratio of (1-80):(1-80):(1-80) of first synthetic auxin, second synthetic auxin, and sulfonylurea herbicide respectively. Preferably, the ratio of the constituents of the present invention may be admixed in the ratio of (1-50):(1-50):(1-50) of first synthetic, auxin second synthetic auxin, and sulfonylurea herbicide respectively.


In an embodiment, it was found that the precise ratio or quantities of the herbicides in the present invention was not particularly critical to achieve the synergistic effect as long as the selective herbicides were used at their recommended dosage levels. These recommended dosage levels of the herbicides of the invention are known and do not form a critical part of the instant invention although their selection is important to achieve the desired synergistic effect.


The herbicidal combination of the present invention may be used to target weeds among the crops such corn, rice, wheat, barley, rye, oat, sorghum, cotton, soybean, peanut, buckwheat, beet, rapeseed, sunflower, sugar cane, tobacco, etc.; vegetables: solanaceous vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, pimento, pepper, potato, etc., cucurbit vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, water melon, melon, squash, etc., cruciferous vegetables such as radish, white turnip, horseradish, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, leaf mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., asteraceous vegetables such as burdock, crown daisy, artichoke, lettuce, etc, liliaceous vegetables such as green onion, onion, garlic, and asparagus, ammiaceous vegetables such as carrot, parsley, celery, parsnip, etc., chenopodiaceous vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, etc., lamiaceous vegetables such as Perilla frutescens, mint, basil, etc, strawberry, sweet potato, Dioscorea japonica, colocasia, etc., flowers, foliage plants, turf grasses, pastures, fruits: pome fruits such apple, pear, quince, etc, stone fleshy fruits such as peach, plum, nectarine, Prunus mume, cherry fruit, apricot, prune, etc., citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, rime, grapefruit, etc., nuts such as chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almond, pistachio, cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, etc. berries such as blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, etc., vines, kaki fruit, olive, plum, banana, oil palm, coffee, date palm, coconuts, etc., trees other than fruit trees; tea, mulberry, flowering plant, trees such as ash, birch, dogwood, Eucalyptus, Ginkgo biloba, lilac, maple, Quercus, poplar, Judas tree, Liquidambar formosana, plane tree, zelkova, Japanese arborvitae, fir wood, hemlock, juniper, Pinus, Picea, and Taxus cuspidate, etc.


Thus, in another aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling weeds at a locus, the method comprising applying a combination comprising at least two synthetic auxins and a sulfonylurea herbicide to the locus.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling weeds at a locus, the method comprising applying a combination comprising at least two synthetic auxins and at least one ALS inhibitor to the locus.


Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application of synergistic combination of picloram; 2,4-D; and metsulfuron methyl.


Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application of synergistic combination of picloram; 2,4-D; metsulfuron methyl, and a fourth active ingredient.


In an embodiment, the fourth active ingredient may selected from herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, biological agent, plant growth activator, fertilizers and combinations thereof.


The target weeds may be selected from Urticaceae weeds: Urtica urens; Polygonaceae weeds: Polygonum convolvulus, Polygonum lapathifolium, Polygonum pensylvanicum, Polygonum persicaria, Polygonum longisetum, Polygonum aviculare, Polygonum arenastrum, Polygonum cuspidatum, Rumex japonicus, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Rumex acetosa; Portulacaceae weeds: Portulaca oleracea; Caryophyllaceae weeds: Stellaria media, Cerastium holosteoides, Cerastium glomeratum, Spergula arvensis, Silene gallica; Molluginaceae weeds: Mollugo verticillata; Chenopodiaceae weeds: Chenopodium album, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Kochia scoparia, Salsola kali, Atriplex spp.; Amaranthaceae weeds: Amaranthus retroflexus, Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthus lividus, Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus palmeri, Amaranthus rudis, Amaranthus patulus, Amaranthus tuberculatos, Amaranthus blitoides, Amaranthus deflexus, Amaranthus quitensis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Alternanthera sessilis, Alternanthera tenella; Papaveraceae weeds: Papaver rhoeas, Argemone Mexicana; Brassicaceae weeds: Raphanus raphanistrum, Raphanus sativus, Sinapis arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Brassica juncea, Brassica campestris, Descurainia pinnata, Rorippa islandica, Rorippa sylvestris, Thlaspi arvense, Myagrum rugosum, Lepidium virginicum, Coronopus didymus; Capparaceae weeds: Cleome affinis; Fabaceae weeds: Aeschynomene indica, Aeschynomene rudis, Sesbania exaltata, Cassia obtusifolia, Cassia occidentalis, Desmodium tortuosum, Desmodium adscendens, Trifolium repens, Pueraria lobata, Vicia angustifolia, Indigofera hirsuta, Indigofera truxillensis, Vigna sinensis; Oxalidaceae weeds: Oxalis corniculata, Oxalis strica, Oxalis oxyptera; Geraniaceae weeds: Geranium carolinense, Erodium cicutarium; Euphorbiaceae weeds: Euphorbia helioscopia, Euphorbia maculate, Euphorbia humistrata, Euphorbia esula, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia brasiliensis, Acalypha australis, Croton glandulosus, Croton lobatus, Phyllanthus corcovadensis, Ricinus communis; Malvaceae weeds: Abutilon theophrasti, Sida rhombiforia, Sida cordifolia, Sida spinosa, Sida glaziovii, Sida santaremnensis, Hibiscus trionum, Anoda cristata, Malvastrum coromandelianum Sterculiaceae weeds: Waltheria indica; Violaceae weeds: Viola arvensis, Viola tricolor; Cucurbitaceae weeds: Sicyos angulatus, Echinocystis lobata, Momordica charantia; Lythraceae weeds: Lythrum salicaria; Apiaceae weeds: Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides; Sapindaceae weeds: Cardiospermum halicacabum; Primulaceae weeds: Anagallis arvensis; Asclepiadaceae weeds: Asclepias syriaca, Ampelamus albidus; Rubiaceae weeds: Galium aparine, Galium spurium var. echinospermon, Spermacoce latifolia, Richardia brasiliensis, Borreria alata; Convolvulaceae weeds: Ipomoea nil, Ipomoea hederacea, Ipomoea purpurea, Ipomoea hederacea var. integriuscula, Ipomoea lacunosa, Ipomoea triloba, Ipomoea acuminata, Ipomoea hederifolia, Ipomoea coccinea, Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea grandifolia, Ipomoea aristolochiafolia, Ipomoea cairica, Convolvulus arvensis, Calystegia hederacea, Calystegia japonica, Merremia hedeacea, Merremia aegyptia, Merremia cissoides, Jacquemontia tamnifolia; Boraginaceae weeds: Myosotis arvensis; Lamiaceae weeds: Lamium purpureum, Lamium amplexicaule, Leonotis nepetaefolia, Hyptis suaveolens, Hyptis lophanta, Leonurus sibiricus, Stachys arvensis; Solanaceae weeds: Datura stramonium, Solanum nigrum, Solanum americanum, Solanum ptycanthum, Solanum sarrachoides, Solanum rostratum, Solanum aculeatissimum, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Solanum carolinense, Physalis angulata, Physalis subglabrata, Nicandra physaloides; Scrophulariaceae weeds: Veronica hederaefolia, Veronica persica, Veronica arvensis; Plantaginaceae weeds: Plantago asiatica; Asteraceae weeds: Xanthium pensylvanicum, Xanthium occidentale, Helianthus annuus, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria perforata, Chrysanthemum segetum, Matricaria matricarioides, Artemisia princeps, Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia verlotorum, Solidago altissima, Taraxacum officinale, Galinsoga ciliata, Galinsoga parviflora, Senecio vulgaris, Senecio brasiliensis, Senecio grisebachii, Conyza bonariensis, Conyza canadensis, Ambrosia artemisiaefolia, Ambrosia trifida, Bidens pilosa, Bidens frondosa, Bidens subalternans, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Silybum marianum, Carduus nutans, Lactuca serriola, Sonchus oleraceus, Sonchus asper, Wedelia glauca, Melampodium perfoliatum, Emilia sonchifolia, Tagetes minuta, Blainvillea latifolia, Tridax procumbens, Porophyllum ruderale, Acanthospermum australe, Acanthospermum hispidum, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Ageratum conyzoides, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Eclipta alba, Erechtites hieracifolia, Gamochaeta spicata, Gnaphalium spicatum, Jaegeria hirta, Parthenium hysterophorus, Siegesbeckia orientalis, Soliva sessilis; Liliaceae weeds: Allium canadense, Allium vineale; Commelinaceae weeds: Commelina communis, Commelina bengharensis, Commelina erecta; Poaceae weeds: Echinochloa crus-galli, Setaria viridis, Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria geniculata, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria horizontalis, Digitaria insularis, Eleusine indica, Poa annua, Alospecurus aequalis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum vulgare, Agropyron repens, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidum, Bromus secalinus, Bromus tectorum, Hordeum jubatum, Aegilops cylindrica, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris minor, Apera spica-venti, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Panicum texanum, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria platyphylla, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria plantaginea, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria humidicola, Cenchrus echinatus, Cenchrus pauciflorus, Eriochloa villosa, Pennisetum setosum, Chloris gayana, Eragrostis pilosa, Rhynchelitrum repens, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Ischaemum rugosum, Oryza sativa, Paspalum notatum, Paspalum maritimum, Pennisetum clandestinum, Pennisetum setosum, Rottboellia cochinchinensis; Cyperaceae weeds: Cyperus microiria, Cyperus iria, Cyperus odoratus, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus, Kyllinga gracillima Equisetaceae weeds: Equisetum arvense, Equisetum palustre, and the like.


In an embodiment, the individual components of the combination of the present invention may be applied to the locus either simultaneously or sequentially, such that at least two auxins and at least one sulfonylurea herbicide may be applied in a tank mix or as a pre-mixed composition.


In an embodiment, combination of the present invention may be applied either pre or post emergent. The advantage of the combination is surprisingly good residual effects, when applied in pre-emergent as well as quick knockdown when applied post emergent leading to quick control of weeds.


The method of control of the present invention may be carried out by spraying the suggested tank mixes, or the individual herbicides may be formulated as a kit-of-parts containing various components that may be mixed as instructed prior to spraying.


In an embodiment the components of the present invention may be packaged such that at least two auxins and at least one sulfonylurea herbicide may be packaged separately and then tank mixed before the spraying.


In another embodiment the components of the present invention may be packaged such that picloram, 2,4-D and metsulfuron methyl may be packaged separately, whereas other additives are packaged separately, such that the two may be tank mixed at the time of spraying.


In another embodiment the components of the present invention may be packaged as composition such that at least two synthetic auxin herbicide and at least one sulfonylurea herbicide may be formulated into one composition and other additives are packaged separately, such that the two may be tank mixed at the time of spraying.


Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention may provide compositions comprising at least two synthetic auxin herbicides, at least one sulfonylurea herbicide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.


In an embodiment, the present invention may provide compositions comprising picloram and 2,4-D and metsulfuron methyl.


In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention may contain agriculturally acceptable adjuvants, carriers, diluents, emulsifiers, fillers, anti-foaming agents, thickening agents, anti-freezing agents, freezing agents etc. The compositions may be either solid or liquids. They can be solids, such as, for example, dusts, granules, water-dispersible granules, microcapsules or wettable powders, or liquids, such as, for example, emulsifiable concentrates, solutions, emulsions or suspensions, ZC formulations. They can also be provided as a pre-mix or tank mixes.


Suitable agricultural adjuvants and carriers may include, but are not limited to, crop oil concentrates; methylated seed oils, emulsified methylated seed oil, nonylphenol ethoxylate; benzylcocoalkyldimethyl quaternary ammonium salt; blend of petroleum hydrocarbon, alkyl esters, organic acid, and anionic surfactant; C9-C11 alkylpolyglycoside; phosphated alcohol ethoxylate; natural primary alcohol (C12-C16) ethoxylate; di-sec-butylphenol EO-PO block copolymer; polysiloxane-methyl cap; nonylphenol ethoxylate, urea ammonium nitrate; tridecyl alcohol (synthetic) ethoxylate (8EO); tallow amine ethoxylate; PEG(400) dioleate-99, alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; alkylarylsulfonate salts, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol-C18 ethoxylate; alcohol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecyl alcohol-C16 ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; alkyl-naphthalene-sulfonate salts, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryl trimethylammonium chloride; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; salts of mono and dialkyl phosphate esters; vegetable or seed oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed/canola oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like; and esters of the above vegetable oils, methyl esters and the like.


Suitable liquid carriers that may be employed in a composition of the present invention may include water or organic solvents. The organic solvents include, but are not limited to, petroleum fractions or hydrocarbons such as mineral oil, aromatic solvents, paraffinic oils, and the like; vegetable oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like; esters of the above vegetable oils; esters of monoalcohols or dihydric, trihydric, or other lower polyalcohols (4-6 hydroxy containing), such as 2-ethyl hexyl stearate, n-butyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol dioleate, di-octyl succinate, di-butyl adipate, di-octyl phthalate and the like; esters of mono, di and polycarboxylic acids and the like. Organic solvents include, but are not limited to toluene, xylene, petroleum naphtha, crop oil, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether and diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, amyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerine, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, N,N-dimethyl alkylamides, dimethyl sulfoxide.


Solid carriers that may be employed in the compositions of the present invention may include but are not limited to attapulgite, pyrophyllite clay, silica, kaolin clay, kieselguhr, chalk, diatomaceous earth, lime, calcium carbonate, bentonite clay, Fuller's earth, talc, cottonseed hulls, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, walnut shell flour, lignin, cellulose etc.


Suitable stabilising agents such as buffers such ammonium phosphate dibasic, ammonium sulfate, ammonium, potassium dibasic phosphate, and the like, other stabilizers such as casein, tragacanth, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and the like.


Thus, in another aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising applying a composition comprising at least two synthetic auxins, at least one sulfonylurea herbicide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.


Surprisingly, it has been found by the present inventors that at least two synthetic auxins and at least an ALS inhibitor herbicide, preferably a sulfonylurea herbicide, when applied individually, was ineffective in the control of weeds, but demonstrated excellent synergistic control on weeds when applied together. The combination controlled the weed both pre and post emergently. The combination of at least two synthetic auxins and at least a sulfonylurea herbicide synergistically controlled broadleaf weeds, sedges, and grasses at a particular locus. The current invention therefore provides advantageous methods of controlling weeds both pre and post emergently. The present method also provides a broader spectrum of controlling weeds that helps in resistance management, thus preventing the weed from becoming resistant to either of the herbicides whilst providing a broader spectrum of control at lower use rates.


The invention shall now be described with reference to the following specific examples. It should be noted that the example(s) appended below illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.


EXAMPLES

Formulations Studies:


















Amount




S.

(gms/

Function/Role


No.
Ingredients
lit, %)
Generic Name
of ingredients



















1
Picloram ácid
96.00
Picloram ácid
Active Igredient



tech

tech


2
2,4 D ácid tech
318.00
2,4 D ácid tech
Active Igredient


3
Metsulfuron
45.00
Metsulfuron
Active Igredient



Methyl tech

Methyl tech


4
Ammonium
451.00
Ammonium
Neutralizing



phosphate dibasic

phosphate dibasic
agent


5
Sodium
30.0
Agnique 46 NP
Wetting agent



dodecylbenzene



sulfonate


6
Sulphonated
30.0
Morwet D425
Dispersant



aromatic polymer,


agent



sodium salt


7
Croscarmellose
30.0
Solutab
binder



sodium









The above formulation was also found to solve the technical problem of making metsulfuron molecule compatible with 2,4-D acid and Picloram in the same formulation. Hitherto, all commercially available products of 2,4-D and picloram were in soluble liquid i.e. SL formulation, which entails the use of water as the solvent. However, metsulfuron-methyl degrades rapidly by hydrolysis in the protonic media e.g. in an aqueous solution (DT50/25° C.=4.7d, pesticide manual), which makes it incompatible in liquid formulations, mostly in SL type formulation in which water is used as solvent. This posed a formulation problem as 2,4D-DMA and Picloram-DMA are conventionally formulated in liquid water-based formulations. Further, in order to render 2,4D-acid and picloram soluble in water, they need to be neutralized by an organic base, producing a soluble salt in water.


In an embodiment, Dimethylammonium was used to neutralize these two acid and insoluble active ingredients in water.


In an embodiment, the present invention also provides a combination comprising 2,4-D ammonium and picloram-ammonium.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a solid formulation comprising 2,4-D, picloram and metsulfuron-methyl.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a solid formulation comprising 2,4-D, picloram, metsulfuron-methyl and dibasic ammonium phosphate.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a solid formulation comprising 2,4-D, picloram, metsulfuron-methyl and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a solid formulation comprising 2,4-D, picloram, metsulfuron-methyl and sodium salt of sulphonated aromatic polymer.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a solid formulation comprising 2,4-D, picloram, metsulfuron-methyl and croscarmellose sodium.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a wettable granule (WG) formulation comprising 2,4-D, picloram and metsulfuron-methyl.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a wettable granule (WG) formulation comprising 2,4-D, picloram and metsulfuron-methyl, wherein the formulation has D90 less than 10 microns.


Thus, presenting these active ingredients in a solid formulation avoids the contact of metsulfuron-methyl with the aqueous media and thus avoids its degradation. In order to make the WG formulation possible, 2,4-D acid and picloram were neutralized in an unexpected manner according to the present invention.


Thus, according to the present invention, 2,4-D-acid and picloram were in situ neutralized in the presence of an alkali salt.


In an embodiment, the preferred alkali salt was dibasic ammonium phosphate.


In an embodiment, the present invention also provides a combination comprising 2,4-D ammonium and picloram-ammonium.


In an embodiment, the present invention also provides a combination comprising 2,4-D ammonium, picloram-ammonium and at least one ALS inhibitor herbicide.


Thus, the alkali salt was mixed into the formulation together with Metsulfuron, 2,4-D acid, and Picloram acid, dispersing/wetting agents and other inerts. All the ingredients together were milled into a jet mill up to the particle size being reduced to d90<10 microns. To make the dough from this milled powder, a rigorous control of adding minimum water with vigorous mixing process is required. Extrusion of the dough was done with a conventional screw extruder, and granules were dried in the sequence of process until reach moisture contain less than 2%. Fluid bed dryer at 54° C. is used to remove water from granules.


These wettable granule formulation (WG) were applied into the crops after being diluted into the spray solution.


It was found that the alkali salt ammonium phosphate dibasic reacted with 2,4-D acid (solubility=311 mg/I) and Picloram acid (solubility=560 mg/I), producing 2,4-D ammonium salt and Picloram ammonium salt, thereby increasing solubility of both active ingredients into this spray solution.


It was concluded that one of the advantages of the present invention was to render 2,4-D and picloram acids to corresponding salts to make those active ingredients soluble, which resulted into good and uniform application in crops. In the absence of the alkali salts of the invention, the insoluble 2,4-D and picloram acid active ingredients did not have good biological performance and blocked nozzles during spraying.


The formulations of the present invention were then subjected to the efficacy studies.


Synergy Studies


Studies were conducted to compare the weed controlling activity of the combination of at least two synthetic auxins and at least one sulfonylurea herbicide and compared the observed efficacy with the “expected” efficacy. Any difference between the observed and “expected” efficacy could be attributed to synergy between the compounds. The synthetic auxins were picloram and 2,4-D, whereas, the sulfonylurea was metsulfuron methyl. The expected efficacy of the combination was calculated using the well-established Colby method.


In the Colby method, the expected (or predicted) response of a combination of herbicides is calculated by taking the product of the observed response for each individual component of the combination when applied alone divided by 100 and subtracting this value from the sum of the observed response for each component when applied alone. An unexpected enhancement in efficacy of the combination is then determined by comparing the observed response of the combination to the expected (or predicted) response as calculated from the observed response of each individual component alone. If the observed response of the combination is greater than the expected (or predicted) response, or stated conversely, if the difference between the observed and expected response is greater than zero, then the combination is said to be synergistic or unexpectedly effective. (Colby, S. R., Weeds, 1967(15), p. 20-22) The Colby method requires only a single dose of each herbicide applied alone and the mixture of both doses. The formula used to calculate the expected efficacy (EE) which was compared with the observed efficacy (OE) to determine the efficacy of the present invention is explained hereinbelow:

EE=(B efficacy+A efficacy−(B efficacy×A efficacy)/100)


The weed control activity of the individual herbicides of the invention and their combinations were evaluated on weeds such as Ipomea grandifolia and Bidens pilosa in cotton was evaluated. The trial was carried out in Randomized Complete Block (RCB) method, all field trials were conducted using this method. Each trial were replicated four times and conducted under GEP guidelines. Application volumes were varied for each mixture. Such field trials were carried out at various locations so as to generate independent data, the locations were chosen randomly across Brazil. Picloram, 2,4-D acid and 2,4-D sodium and Metsulfuron methyl were sprayed according to their recommended dosage.


The following formula was used to calculate the expected activity of mixtures containing three active ingredients A, B and C:







Expected






(
E
)


=

A
+
B
+
C
-


(

AB
+
AC
+
BC

)

100

+

ABC

10


,


000









    • Where

    • A=observed efficacy of active ingredient A at the same concentration as used in the mixture.

    • B=observed efficacy of active ingredient B at the same concentration as used in the mixture.

    • C=observed efficacy of active ingredient C at the same concentration as used in the mixture.





The herbicide tank mix combinations, application rates, plant species tested, and results are given in the following examples:


Example

In the Colby method, the expected (or predicted) response of a combination of herbicides is calculated by taking the product of the observed response for each individual component of the combination when applied alone divided by 100 and subtracting this value from the sum of the observed response for each component when applied alone. An unexpected enhancement in efficacy of the combination is then determined by comparing the observed response of the combination to the expected (or predicted) response as calculated from the observed response of each individual component alone. If the observed response of the combination is greater than the expected (or predicted) response, or stated conversely, if the difference between the observed and expected response is greater than zero, then the combination is said to be synergistic or unexpectedly effective.


Thus, when the combination of the present invention was analyzed using this method, it demonstrated an observed—expected value of greater than zero which is indicative of an unexpected efficacy. The basis of demonstration of unexpected efficacy by comparison with the Colby formula is that herbicide (A) tested alone would kill a proportion of the target weeds and leave the remaining portion (a %) as survivors. Similarly, herbicide B tested alone will leave (b %) as survivors, and herbicide B tested alone will leave (c %) survivors. When combined, A+B+C will, act independently on the target weed (if unexpected activity is absent); component A leaving a % survivors, which survivors will be controlled by component B and the final survivors being controlled by component C; which has an overall effect of a %*b % c %*100. Subsequently, if the percent control is greater than that predicted by the Colby formula or stated conversely, if the difference between the observed control and the expected control is greater than zero; then unexpected enhancement in activity is acknowledged. The degree to which the difference is greater than zero is not itself critical as long as it is greater than zero; however greater the difference, more significant is the enhancement or the unexpectedness in weed control.


A trial was carried out to check the efficacy of the triple mixture herbicide of the present invention for pasture. Trials were also carried out to check the efficacy of the formulation examples above. The formulation examples were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of two WG formulations of the 2,4-D, picloran and metsulfuron mixture (PED015/16 and PED016/16) for weeds control in pasture compared with the commercial products in tank mixture. These trials were carried out under greenhouse conditions for efficacy studies. The efficacy for Ipomea grandifolia and Bidens pilosa control in cotton was tested. The two WG formulations which were tested were PED015/16 and PED016/16. PED015/16 was the formulation comprising Picloram (96)+2,4-D acid (318)+Metsulfuron (45); whereas PED016/16 comprised Picloram (96)+2,4-D sodium (318)+Metsulfuron (45).


Thus, in an embodiment, the present invention provides a combination comprising picloram at 96 g per hectare, 2,4-D acid at 318 g per hectare and metsulfuron-methyl at 45 g per hectare.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a combination comprising picloram at 96 g per hectare, 2,4-D sodium at 318 g per hectare and metsulfuron-methyl at 45 g per hectare.



















Dose (g or mL







per hectare)
7 DAA
14 DAA
21 DAA
















[g a.e.
%
Colby
%
Colby
%
Colby
Conclusion


Product
per hectare]
Control
control
control
control
control
control



















Donado
200.0 [48]
23.3

22.3

30.0




(Picloram)


DMA (2,4-D)
 237.3 [159]
21.7

22.7

27.7




Zartan
  37.5 [22.5]
8.7

20.7

22.0




(Metsulfuron-


methyl)


PED015/16
0.5 [48 +
55.0
45.2
94.7
52.4
98.7
60.5
Synergistic (Δ



159 + 22.5]






is greater than 0)


PED016/16
0.5 [48 +
58.7
45.2
95.7
99.3
99.3
60.5
Synergistic (Δ



159 + 22.5]






is greater than 0)


Donado +
0.5 [48 +
51.0
45.2
90.7
52.4
95.7
60.5
Synergistic (Δ


DMA + Zartan
159 + 22.5]






is greater than 0)









Thus, in an embodiment, the present invention provides a combination comprising picloram at 48 g per hectare, 2,4-D acid at 159 g per hectare and metsulfuron-methyl at 22.5 g per hectare.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a combination comprising picloram at 48 g per hectare, 2,4-D sodium at 159 g per hectare and metsulfuron-methyl at 22.5 g per hectare.


It was thus found that, under the tested conditions, both formulations PED015/16 and PED016/16 were effective for control of the studied plants (Cotton, Ipomea grandifolia and Bidens pilosa) at all doses.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling Ipomea grandifolia and Bidens pilosa, said method comprising applying a combination comprising picloram at 48 g per hectare, 2,4-D acid at 159 g per hectare and metsulfuron-methyl at 22.5 g per hectare to the locus.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling Ipomea grandifolia and Bidens pilosa in cotton, said method comprising applying a combination comprising picloram at 48 g per hectare, 2,4-D acid at 159 g per hectare and metsulfuron-methyl at 22.5 g per hectare to the locus.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling Ipomea grandifolia and Bidens pilosa, said method comprising applying a combination comprising picloram at 48 g per hectare, 2,4-D sodium at 159 g per hectare and metsulfuron-methyl at 22.5 g per hectare to the locus.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling Ipomea grandifolia and Bidens pilosa in cotton, said method comprising applying a combination comprising picloram at 48 g per hectare, 2,4-D sodium at 159 g per hectare and metsulfuron-methyl at 22.5 g per hectare to the locus.


The tank mix at the lowest dose did not control Ipomoea grandifolia. In terms of efficacy, both the tested formulations PED015/16 and PED016/16 showed higher efficiency than the tank mix. It was thus concluded that the combinations of the present invention demonstrated proven synergy for the two formulated combinations and tank mix at the lowest dose for cotton control according to the Colby formula in the evaluations at 7, 14 and 21 DAA.


It was also noted that the formulation containing 2,4-D acid form displayed changes in the volatility of the herbicide and thus the salt form may be preferred for some agronomists.


While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims
  • 1. A solid herbicidal composition made by mixing two synthetic auxin herbicides and an ALS inhibitor herbicide with a neutralizing agent, wherein: the two synthetic auxin herbicides consist of 2,4-D acid and picloram acid;the ALS inhibitor consists of metsulfuron methyl; andthe neutralizing agent consists of dibasic ammonium phosphate.
  • 2. The herbicidal composition of claim 1 further comprising at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient or adjuvant.
  • 3. A kit comprising the herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
201731028212 Aug 2017 IN national
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/IB2018/055716 7/31/2018 WO
Publishing Document Publishing Date Country Kind
WO2019/030614 2/14/2019 WO A
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Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20210392896 A1 Dec 2021 US