Evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents

Abstract

The present invention is an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents composed of at least one compound selected from (A1) a compound obtained by adding a predetermined amount of at least one alkylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as AO) selected from ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as EO) and propylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as PO) to a predetermined alcohol, (A2) a compound obtained by adding a predetermined amount of at least one AO selected from EO and PO to a predetermined carboxylic acid, (A3) a compound obtained by adding a predetermined amount of at least one AO selected from EO and PO to a monoester of a fatty acid with 10 or more and 20 or less carbons and sorbitan, (A4) a polyalkylene glycol with a weight average molecular weight of 100 or more and 3000 or less, (A5) a predetermined ester compound, and (A6) a predetermined carboxylic acid.

Description

Evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents, an evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, an agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition, a plant treatment agent composition, and a method for treating plants.

[0002] Background Art In recent years, issues affecting food supply, such as a declining and aging agricultural workforce and an increase in natural disasters due to climate change, have become increasingly prevalent. Improving productivity in safe and secure food production is a particularly important issue. Against this backdrop, development of pesticide spraying technologies using industrial multirotors (drones) is underway to mechanize and automate food production, particularly agricultural crop production, and reduce pesticide use. Drone spraying offers benefits such as reduced work time and labor, reduced pesticide and water use due to improved spraying accuracy, and the ability to operate after sunset. However, it also faces challenges such as long distances to reach crops due to spraying from high altitudes with low water volumes, significantly reduced pesticide coverage due to droplet evaporation during flight, and the likelihood of pesticide drift caused by wind. Drone spraying technology is not only effective in addressing issues such as a declining and aging agricultural workforce in Japan, but also enables application of low water volumes, making it promising for expanding cultivated areas in arid regions with severe food shortages.

[0003] Pesticides are used for purposes such as increasing and protecting useful plants such as agricultural crops, and exterminating harmful plants such as weeds and pests. Pesticide potentiator compositions have been developed to fully utilize the effects of pesticides. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-184187 discloses a pesticide potentiator composition containing one or more compounds (A) selected from a specific ethoxylate compound, a specific polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, a specific polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, a specific (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester, and a specific alkyl saccharide, and one or more compounds (B) selected from alcohols having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 14 carbon atoms. International Publication No. 2018 / 173184 discloses a pesticide potentiator composition containing (A) a specific polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, (B) a specific fatty alcohol, and (C) a specific fatty acid.

[0004] On the other hand, when applying pesticides as fine droplets by aerial spraying, etc., it is desirable that the droplets contain a high concentration of the pesticide and have a small particle size. However, such fine droplets tend to lose their moisture easily, which can lead to the pesticide not achieving its intended effect. Furthermore, further miniaturization of the droplets makes them more susceptible to scattering, raising concerns about their dispersion into the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the evaporation of moisture from the droplets. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-122202 discloses an evaporation inhibitor for use in spray mixtures of pesticides that are in the form of a wax-containing aqueous dispersion or a self-emulsifying organic solvent solution and that are applied by the low-volume method, characterized in that the evaporation inhibitor contains 15 to 50% by weight of a wax or wax mixture, 4 to 20% by weight of a nonionic and / or anionic emulsifier, 19.5 to 81% by weight of water and / or an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones having a boiling point of 70 to 280°C, 0 to 5.5% by weight of other auxiliaries, and 0 to 5.0% by weight of an amine or alkali.

[0005] Summary of the Invention Efficient application of pesticides and other plant treatment agents leads to improved productivity of crops and other plants. As one measure to achieve this, there is a demand for technology that enables efficient spraying of pesticides and other plant treatment agents at high concentrations and with low water volumes from aircraft such as drones.

[0006] The present invention provides an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents that can efficiently enhance the efficacy of plant treatment agents such as pesticides, and that can improve the coverage of plant treatment agents such as pesticides when the plant treatment agents are applied at high concentrations and in small amounts of water, for example, when sprayed by drone.

[0007] The present invention relates to an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents, comprising (A) at least one compound selected from the following compounds (A1) to (A6) [hereinafter referred to as component (A)]. <Compound (A1)> A compound in which at least one alkylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as AO) selected from ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as EO) and propylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as PO) is added to a compound of the following formula (I) in an average addition mole number of 1 to 22: １ OH (I) [wherein R １ is an alkyl group having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A2)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a compound of the following formula (II) in an average addition mole number of from 1 to 22: ２ —COOH (II) [wherein R ２ is an alkyl group having from 11 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having from 11 to 19 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A3)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a monoester of a fatty acid having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and sorbitan, with an average addition mole number of from 1 to 22. <Compound (A4)> A polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of from 100 to 3,000. <Compound (A5)> A compound represented by the following formula (III): R ３ -COO-R ４ (III) [wherein in formula (III), R ３ is an alkyl group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms; R ４is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A6)> A compound represented by the following formula (IV): ５ —COOH (IV) [wherein R ５ is an alkyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms.

[0008] The present invention also relates to an evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, which contains the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention.

[0009] The present invention also relates to an agrochemical efficacy potentiator composition comprising the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention and (B) an agrochemical efficacy potentiator other than component (A).

[0010] The present invention also relates to a plant treatment agent composition containing the evaporation inhibitor for use in plant treatment agents of the present invention and a plant treatment agent.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a method for treating plants, which comprises the step of applying to plants a treatment solution containing the evaporation inhibitor for use in plant treatment agents of the present invention and a plant treatment agent.

[0012] According to the present invention, there are provided an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents that can efficiently enhance the efficacy of plant treatment agents such as pesticides and improve the coverage of plant treatment agents such as pesticides when the plant treatment agents are applied at high concentrations and with low water volumes, for example, by spraying using a drone, as well as a pesticide efficacy enhancer composition, plant treatment agent composition, and plant treatment method containing the same. The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention and the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition and plant treatment agent composition containing the same can be used safely without causing phytotoxicity to various plants.

[0013] Schematic diagram showing the spraying position of the pesticide composition in Example 1 etc. Schematic diagram showing the spraying position of the pesticide composition in Example 7

[0014] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention can suppress water evaporation during spraying, thereby efficiently enhancing the efficacy of plant treatment agents such as pesticides. It can also demonstrate excellent coverage-improving capabilities for plant treatment agents such as pesticides, particularly when sprayed at high concentrations and with low water volumes using drones. While the details of the mechanism of action of the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention are unclear, it is believed to be as follows. When spraying pesticides and other chemicals to be applied to plants, water is generally used as a solvent and dispersant, and the chemicals are applied to the target plants using a spraying device such as a sprayer or sprayer. For example, in the case of pesticides, the amount used is kept as low as possible in consideration of the environmental impact, and ingredients that improve spreadability may be incorporated to efficiently apply the pesticide to the area where it is effective. For example, to apply a pesticide to the entire surface of a leaf, methods such as directly applying the pesticide to the entire surface of the leaf or wetting and spreading the pesticide after application, i.e., spreading it to cover the entire surface, are used. Direct application to the entire surface requires a large spray volume, which is wasteful and unsuitable for the above-mentioned purpose. To achieve spreading, a highly wettable spreading component can be used; however, after spraying a pesticide, the solvent and dispersant, such as water, evaporate before the pesticide adheres to the leaves. The pesticide then becomes concentrated on the leaves, increasing viscosity and making it difficult to spread. In particular, the fall distance, wind influence, and droplet size (droplet surface area) increase the floating time after spraying, contributing to the evaporation of solvents and dispersants, such as water. It is believed that the inclusion of the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention can inhibit the evaporation of solvents and dispersants after spraying, thereby maintaining high wettable spreading properties after adhesion to leaves. Furthermore, because the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention exerts its effect at a much lower amount than the amount required to completely cover the droplet surface, it is believed that its effect is not exerted by coating the droplet surface, but rather by forming a structure that is resistant to evaporation, such as by forming a complex with other components, such as the pesticide, although the details are unknown. Since such effects can be obtained, it is estimated that the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention will be more effective when sprayed using a drone that generates its own wind, with a high spray height, high pesticide concentration, and small spray volume.

[0015] [Evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents] The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention comprises component (A), which is at least one compound selected from the following compounds (A1) to (A6). The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention may consist of one or more of compounds (A1) to (A6). Component (A) is preferably at least one compound selected from the following compounds (A2), (A3), (A4), and (A6), more preferably at least one compound selected from compound (A3), compound (A4), and compound (A6), and even more preferably any one of compound (A3) and compound (A6).

[0016] <Compound (A1)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a compound of the following formula (I) in an average added mole number of 1 to 22: １ OH (I) [wherein R １ is an alkyl group having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A2)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a compound of the following formula (II) in an average addition mole number of from 1 to 22: ２ —COOH (II) [wherein R ２ is an alkyl group having from 11 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having from 11 to 19 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A3)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a monoester of a fatty acid having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and sorbitan, with an average addition mole number of from 1 to 22. <Compound (A4)> A polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of from 100 to 3,000. <Compound (A5)> A compound represented by the following formula (III): R ３ -COO-R ４ (III) [wherein in formula (III), R ３ is an alkyl group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms; R ４ is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A6)> A compound represented by the following formula (IV): ５—COOH (IV) [wherein R ５ is an alkyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms.

[0017] [Compound (A1)] The compound (A1) of the present invention is a compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a compound of the following formula (I) in an average added mole number of 1 to 22: １ OH (I) [wherein R １ is an alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0018] The AO is at least one selected from EO and PO, and may be either one type or a mixture of two types. When two types are mixed, they may be block or random. EO is preferred from the viewpoint of improving the coverage rate (hereinafter also referred to as coverage rate) of a plant treatment agent such as a pesticide. From the viewpoint of improving coverage rate, the average number of moles of AO added is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 4 or more, and even more preferably 5 or more, and from the same viewpoint, it is 22 or less, preferably 20 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and even more preferably 15 or less.

[0019] In formula (I), R １ R is an alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms. １ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the number of carbon atoms in R is 10 or more, preferably 11 or more, and 14 or less, preferably 13 or less, more preferably 12. １ R may be linear or branched. １ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and more preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0020] Specific examples of the compound of formula (I) include n-decanol, isodecanol, 2-propylheptanol, 4-methyl-2-propylhexanol, n-dodecanol, sec-dodecanol, tridecanol, n-tetradecanol, and sec-tetradecanol. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, n-dodecanol, sec-dodecanol, and tridecanol are preferred, and n-dodecanol is more preferred.

[0021] Specific examples of compound (A1) include polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) decyl ether, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) dodecyl ether, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) tridecyl ether, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) tetradecyl ether, and compounds in which some or all of the oxyethylenes in these compounds are substituted with oxypropylene. From the viewpoint of improving coverage, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) dodecyl ether is preferred, polyoxyethylene (5 or more and 12 or less) dodecyl ether is more preferred, and polyoxyethylene (6) dodecyl ether is even more preferred. Here, the number in parentheses is the average number of moles of AO added (the same applies to compounds (A2) and (A3)).

[0022] [Compound (A2)] The compound (A2) of the present invention is a compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a compound of the following formula (II) in an average added mole number of 1 to 22: ２ —COOH (II) [wherein R ２ is an alkyl group having 11 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 11 to 19 carbon atoms.

[0023] In the compound (A2), the preferred embodiment and the preferred average number of moles of AO added are the same as those in the compound (A1).

[0024] In formula (II), R ２ is an alkyl group having 11 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 11 to 19 carbon atoms. ２From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the number of carbon atoms in R is 11 or more, preferably 13 or more, more preferably 15 or more, and 19 or less, preferably 18 or less, more preferably 17 or less. ２ R may be linear or branched. ２ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, is preferably a linear alkyl group or a linear alkenyl group, and more preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0025] Specific examples of the compound of formula (II) include saturated fatty acids such as dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and eicosanoic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids such as dodecenoic acid, tetradecenoic acid, hexadecenoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, preferred are dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, and more preferred is oleic acid.

[0026] Specific examples of the compound (A2) include polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) laurate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) myristate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) palmitate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) stearate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) oleate, and compounds in which part or all of the oxyethylene is substituted with oxypropylene. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) oleate is preferred, polyoxyethylene (5 or more and 12 or less) oleate is more preferred, and polyoxyethylene (10) oleate is even more preferred.

[0027] [Compound (A3)] Compound (A3) is a compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a monoester of a fatty acid having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and sorbitan in an average addition mole number of from 1 to 22.

[0028] In the compound (A3), the preferred embodiment and the preferred average number of moles of AO added are the same as those in the compound (A1).

[0029] The number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid, which is one of the constituents of compound (A3), is 10 or more, preferably 11 or more, more preferably 12 or more, and 20 or less, preferably 18 or less, more preferably 16 or less, from the viewpoint of improving the coverage. The fatty acid may be saturated or unsaturated, and from the viewpoint of improving the coverage, it is preferably a straight-chain saturated fatty acid or unsaturated fatty acid, more preferably a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. Specific examples of the fatty acid include saturated fatty acids such as decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and eicosanoic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids such as dodecenoic acid, tetradecenoic acid, hexadecenoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, it is preferably dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, or oleic acid, more preferably dodecanoic acid.

[0030] Specific examples of the monoester of fatty acid and sorbitan include sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, and sorbitan monooleate. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, preferred are sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, and sorbitan monooleate, and more preferred is sorbitan monolaurate.

[0031] Specific examples of the compound (A3) include polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monomyristate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monooleate, and compounds in which part or all of the oxyethylene is substituted with oxypropylene. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, preferred is polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monolaurate, more preferred is polyoxyethylene (5 or more and 12 or less) sorbitan monolaurate, and even more preferred is polyoxyethylene (6) sorbitan monolaurate.

[0032] [Compound (A4)] Compound (A4) is a polyalkylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 100 or more and 3000 or less. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the weight-average molecular weight of compound (A4) is 100 or more, preferably 150 or more, more preferably 200 or more, and 3000 or less, preferably 2500 or less, more preferably 2000 or less. This weight-average molecular weight is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0033] Examples of the compound (A4) include the following compounds (A4-1) and (A4-2): <Compound (A4-1)> Polyethylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 100 or more and 3,000 or less <Compound (A4-2)> Polypropylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 800 or more and 3,000 or less

[0034] Compound (A4-1) is a polyethylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 100 or more and 3000 or less. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the weight-average molecular weight of compound (A4-1) is 100 or more, preferably 150 or more, more preferably 200 or more, and 3000 or less, preferably 2500 or less, more preferably 2000 or less. This weight-average molecular weight is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0035] Compound (A4-2) is a polypropylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 800 or more and 3000 or less. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the weight-average molecular weight of compound (A4-2) is 800 or more, preferably 1000 or more, more preferably 1500 or more, and 3000 or less, preferably 2500 or less, more preferably 2000 or less. This weight-average molecular weight is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0036] [Compound (A5)] The compound (A5) of the present invention is a compound represented by the following formula (III): ３ -COO-R ４ (III) [wherein in formula (III), R ３ is an alkyl group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms; R４ is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0037] In formula (III), R ３ is an alkyl group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. ３ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the number of carbon atoms in R is 15 or more, preferably 16 or more, and 19 or less, preferably 18 or less, more preferably 17. ３ R may be linear or branched. ３ is preferably a linear alkyl group from the viewpoint of improving the coverage.

[0038] In formula (III), R ４ is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. ４ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the number of carbon atoms in R is 1 or more, preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and 18 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less. ４ R may be linear or branched. ４ is preferably a branched alkyl group from the viewpoint of improving the coverage.

[0039] Specific examples of the compound (A5) include methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, n-butyl palmitate, n-butyl stearate, isobutyl palmitate, isobutyl stearate, t-butyl palmitate, t-butyl stearate, n-octyl palmitate, n-octyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, and 2-ethyl stearate. Examples of the hydroxypropyl ester include hexyl hexyl palmitate, decyl stearate, dodecyl palmitate, dodecyl stearate, isotridecyl palmitate, isotridecyl stearate, hexadecyl palmitate, hexadecyl stearate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, 2-hexyldecyl stearate, and stearyl stearate. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isobutyl palmitate, and stearyl stearate are preferred. isobutyl phosphate, t-butyl palmitate, t-butyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate, decyl palmitate, decyl stearate, dodecyl palmitate, dodecyl stearate, isotridecyl palmitate, isotridecyl stearate, hexadecyl palmitate, hexadecyl stearate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, and 2-hexyldecyl stearate are more preferred. Preferred are 2-ethylhexyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate, decyl palmitate, decyl stearate, dodecyl palmitate, dodecyl stearate, isotridecyl palmitate, isotridecyl stearate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, and 2-hexyldecyl stearate, more preferred are dodecyl stearate, isotridecyl stearate, and 2-hexyldecyl stearate, and even more preferred isotridecyl stearate.

[0040] [Compound (A6)] The compound (A6) of the present invention is a compound represented by the following formula (IV): ５ —COOH (IV) [wherein R ５is an alkyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms.

[0041] In formula (IV), R ５ is an alkyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms. ５ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the number of carbon atoms in R is 7 or more, preferably 8 or more, more preferably 9 or more, and 19 or less, preferably 17 or less, more preferably 15 or less. ５ R may be linear or branched. ５ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and more preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0042] Specific examples of the compound (A6) include caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, preferred are capric acid and oleic acid, and more preferred is capric acid.

[0043] The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention may consist of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds (A1), (A2), (A3), (A4-1), (A4-2), (A5), and (A6). Component (A) is preferably at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds (A2), (A3), (A4-1), (A4-2), and (A6), more preferably at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds (A3), (A4-1), and (A6), and even more preferably any one of compounds (A3) and (A6).

[0044] The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention includes an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents in which the component (A) is the compound (A1), i.e., composed of the compound (A1). The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention includes an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents in which the component (A) is the compound (A2), i.e., composed of the compound (A2). The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention includes an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents in which the component (A) is the compound (A3), i.e., composed of the compound (A3). The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention includes an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents in which the component (A) is the compound (A4), i.e., composed of the compound (A4). The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention includes an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents in which the component (A) is the compound (A5), i.e., composed of the compound (A5). The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention includes an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents in which the component (A) is the compound (A6), i.e., composed of the compound (A6).

[0045] The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention is preferably used by incorporating it into a treatment solution to be applied to plants. The concentration of component (A) in the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention during use is preferably 30 mg / kg or more, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 300 mg / kg or less, based on the treatment solution to be applied to plants.

[0046] [Evaporation Inhibitor Composition for Plant Treatment Agents] The present invention provides an evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents containing the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention. That is, the present invention provides an evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents containing component (A). The evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention contains component (A) as an active ingredient for inhibiting the evaporation of plant treatment agents such as pesticides. The matters described for the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention can be appropriately applied to the evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention. Specific examples and preferred embodiments of component (A) are the same as those for the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention. The evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention can contain components other than component (A). Examples of components other than component (A) include water as a solvent or dispersion medium, organic solvents such as ethanol, ethyl lactate, and dimethyl sulfoxide, chelating agents, pH adjusters, inorganic salts, thickeners, and antifoaming agents. The evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention can also contain components (B) and (C), which will be described below.

[0047] The evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention can contain water as a solvent or dispersion medium. When the evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention contains water, dispersion and dissolution of component (A) and any optional components in a dilution medium (e.g., water and / or an organic solvent) during dilution of the composition becomes easier, which facilitates the step of preparing a treatment solution by dilution with a dilution medium when the composition is applied together with a plant treatment agent such as a pesticide.

[0048] The evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention preferably contains component (A) at a concentration of 30 mg / kg or more and 6000 mg / kg or less when used, i.e., when applied to plants together with a plant treatment agent such as a pesticide. The evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention is preferably incorporated into a treatment solution to be applied to plants. The evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention has a concentration of component (A) at the time of use, based on the treatment solution to be applied to plants, of preferably 30 mg / kg or more, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and even more preferably 300 mg / kg or less. The content of component (A) in the evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention may be adjusted to fall within this range. The content of component (A) in the evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention is preferably less than 100% by mass from the viewpoint of efficient transportation and storage, and more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less from the viewpoint of stability when optional components are contained. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ease of workability and concentration adjustment when mixing with a plant treatment agent such as a pesticide, the content is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving coverage, the content is preferably 0.005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more.

[0049] [Pesticide efficacy potentiator composition] The present invention provides a pesticide efficacy potentiator composition containing the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention and (B) a pesticide efficacy potentiator other than component (A). That is, the present invention provides a pesticide efficacy potentiator composition containing component (A) and (B) a pesticide efficacy potentiator other than component (A) [hereinafter referred to as component (B)]. The pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention contains component (A) as a evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents. The matters described for the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents and evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents of the present invention can be applied to the pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention, as appropriate. Specific examples and preferred embodiments of component (A) are the same as those for the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention.

[0050] The content of component (A) in the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of formulation stability. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ease of workability and concentration adjustment when mixing with a plant treatment agent such as a pesticide, the content is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving coverage, the content is preferably 0.005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more.

[0051] Examples of the component (B) include one or more selected from (B1) an emulsifier other than the component (A) [hereinafter referred to as the component (B1)] and (B2) a (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester [hereinafter referred to as the component (B2)]. Examples of the pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention include a pesticide efficacy potentiator composition containing the component (B1) as the component (B). Examples of the pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention include a pesticide efficacy potentiator composition containing the component (B2) as the component (B). Examples of the pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention include a pesticide efficacy potentiator composition containing the component (B1) and the component (B2) as the components (B).

[0052] From the viewpoint of improving coverage, the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention preferably contains an emulsifier (B1) as component (B). As component (B1), emulsifiers that are typically used in pesticide spraying, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, ammonium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium alkyl ether sulfate, ammonium alkyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene distyrenated phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene tribenzyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitol tetraoleate, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, and quaternary ammonium salts, can be used. From the viewpoint of improving coverage, component (B1) is preferably at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following formula (V) and compounds represented by the following formula (VI). R ６ O (R ８ O) ｎ SO ３ － M ＋ (V) R ７ SO ３ － M ＋ (VI) (In formulas (V) and (VI), R ６ and R ７ each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms; R ８ is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n is the average number of moles added and is a number of 0 to 30, M ＋ is the counter ion.)

[0053] In formulas (V) and (VI), R ６ and R ７ is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, more preferably an alkyl group, and even more preferably a linear alkyl group. ６ and R ７ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the number of carbon atoms in R is 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12 or more, and from the same viewpoint, it is 24 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less. ８ From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, the number of carbon atoms in R is preferably 2 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 2.８ is preferably an ethylene group. In formula (V), n is 0 or more, preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more from the viewpoint of improving the coverage, and from the same viewpoint, it is a number of 30 or less, preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less, and even more preferably 3 or less. In formulas (V) and (VI), M ＋ is a counter ion, and examples thereof include ions of alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, ammonium ions, and triethanolammonium ions. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, an alkali metal ion or an ammonium ion is preferred, and an ammonium ion is more preferred.

[0054] When the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention contains the component (B1), the composition contains the component (B1) in an amount of preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less, from the viewpoints of improving the coverage rate and enhancing the efficacy of the pesticide.

[0055] From the viewpoint of improving coverage, the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention preferably contains a (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester of component (B2) as component (B). Component (B2) is preferably a (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester in which the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid is 8 to 16 and the average degree of condensation of glycerin is 1 to 3. Here, "(poly)glycerin" means "glycerin or polyglycerin."

[0056] In component (B2), the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid is 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, and 16 or less, preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less, and even more preferably 10, from the viewpoint of improving the coverage. The fatty acid in component (B2) preferably has a linear or branched alkyl group or a linear or branched alkenyl group, and more preferably has a linear alkyl group. Examples of fatty acids in component (B2) include caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage, capric acid and lauric acid are preferred, and capric acid is more preferred. In component (B2), the average degree of condensation of glycerin is 1 or more and 3 or less, preferably 2 or less, and more preferably 2, from the viewpoint of improving the coverage. Furthermore, in component (B2), the ester bond is preferably a monoester or a diester, and more preferably a monoester.

[0057] When the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention contains the component (B2), the composition contains the component (B2) in an amount of preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving the coverage rate and enhancing the efficacy of the pesticide.

[0058] Examples of pesticide efficacy enhancers other than the (B1) and (B2) components [hereinafter referred to as the (B3) component] include, but are not limited to, the wetting agents described in the Pesticide Handbook 2011 Edition (published by the Japan Plant Protection Association on February 25, 2011). Examples of commercially available spreading agents include Makupika (93.0% by mass of polyoxyethylene methylpolysiloxane, manufactured by Ishihara Biosciences Co., Ltd.), Squash (70% by mass of sorbitan fatty acid ester, 5.5% by mass of polyoxyethylene resin acid ester, manufactured by Kao Corporation), Avion-E (24% by mass of paraffin, manufactured by Avion Co., Ltd.), Petane V (42.0% by mass of paraffin, manufactured by Agro Kanesho Co., Ltd.), Submerge (50% by mass of sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, manufactured by Syngenta), and Breakthrough (80% by mass of polyoxyalkyleneoxypropylheptamethyltrisiloxane, 20% by mass of polyoxyalkylenepropenyl ether, manufactured by Sankei Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0059] When the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention contains the component (B3), the composition contains the component (B3) in an amount of preferably 99.995% by mass or less, more preferably 99.99% by mass or less, even more preferably 99.95% by mass or less, and even more preferably 99.9% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving the coverage rate, and preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of enhancing the efficacy of the pesticide.

[0060] From the viewpoint of improving storage stability, the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention preferably contains, as component (C), a compound having an SP value of 8 or more and 18 or less (excluding those corresponding to components (A) and (B)). The SP value of component (C) is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 8.4 or more, even more preferably 9.5 or more, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 16 or less, even more preferably 14 or less. The SP value is a solubility parameter. In the present invention, the SP value is a value determined by the Hoy method (unit: (cal / cm ３ ) １／２). From the viewpoint of suppressing low-temperature precipitation of other components, component (C) is preferably one or more compounds selected from ester compounds having 5 or less carbon atoms, dimethyl sulfoxide, and alcohols having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Among component (C), examples of ester compounds having 5 or less carbon atoms include ethyl acetate (SP value 8.1), ethyl lactate (SP value 9.7), methyl acetate (SP value 8.4), methyl lactate (SP value 10.2), ethyl propionate (SP value 8.3), and methyl propionate (SP value 8.3). The SP value of dimethyl sulfoxide is 13.0. Among the components (C), examples of alcohols having 1 to 10 carbon atoms include ethanol (SP value 12.7), propyl alcohol (SP value 12.0), n-butanol (SP value 11.4), 2-ethylhexanol (SP value 9.5), n-decanol (SP value 9.8), glycerin (SP value 17.7), and ethylene glycol (SP value 14.2). From the viewpoint of suppressing low-temperature precipitation of other components, component (C) is preferably one or more compounds selected from ethyl lactate, dimethyl sulfoxide, propyl alcohol, and n-decanol. When the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention contains component (C), the composition preferably contains component (C) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, and even more preferably 50% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing low-temperature precipitation of other components.

[0061] The pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention may contain water as a solvent or dispersion medium, and components such as a chelating agent, a pH adjuster, inorganic salts, a thickener, and an antifoaming agent (excluding those corresponding to component (A), component (B), and component (C)).

[0062] The pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention can contain water as a solvent or dispersion medium. When the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention contains water, dispersion and dissolution of component (A) and optional components (component (B) and component (C)) in a dilution medium (e.g., water and / or an organic solvent) are facilitated when the composition is diluted, thereby facilitating the step of diluting the composition with a dilution medium to prepare a treatment solution when sprayed together with a pesticide.

[0063] The pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention preferably contains component (A) at a concentration of 30 mg / kg or more and 6000 mg / kg or less when used, i.e., when applied to plants together with a plant treatment agent such as a pesticide. The pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention is preferably incorporated into a treatment solution to be applied to plants. The pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention has a concentration of component (A) at the time of use, based on the treatment solution to be applied to plants, of preferably 30 mg / kg or more, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and even more preferably 300 mg / kg or less. The content of component (A) in the pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention may be adjusted to fall within this range. The content of component (A) in the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention is preferably less than 100% by mass from the viewpoint of efficient transportation and storage, and more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less from the viewpoint of stability when used in combination with optional components such as components (B) and (C). Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ease of workability and concentration adjustment when mixed with a plant treatment agent such as a pesticide, the content is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving coverage, the content is preferably 0.005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more.

[0064] <Plant Treatment Agent Composition> The present invention relates to a plant treatment agent composition containing the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention and a plant treatment agent. That is, the present invention provides a plant treatment agent composition containing component (A) and a plant treatment agent. The plant treatment agent composition of the present invention contains component (A) as an evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents. The features described for the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents, evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, and pesticide efficacy enhancer composition of the present invention can be applied to the plant treatment agent composition of the present invention, as appropriate. For example, specific examples, preferred embodiments, optional components, etc. of component (A) are the same as those for the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention.

[0065] The plant treatment agent used in the plant treatment composition of the present invention includes components selected from pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives.

[0066] The pesticide used in the plant treatment composition of the present invention may be either an active ingredient of the pesticide or a pesticide formulation containing the active ingredient of the pesticide.

[0067] The pesticide may be at least one selected from fungicides, insecticides, miticides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators. A pesticide PG refers to a compound that is the active ingredient of a pesticide. Examples of pesticide PGs used in pesticides include, but are not limited to, those listed in the 2011 Pesticide Handbook (published by the Japan Plant Protection Association on February 25, 2011).

[0068] Examples of fungicides include those described in WO 2012 / 029893. From the viewpoint of improving the coverage rate and enhancing the efficacy of agricultural chemicals according to the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the efficacy enhancement effect according to the present invention), preferred fungicides include basic copper sulfate, organic copper (oxine copper, bis(8-quinolinolato)copper(II)), cupric hydroxide, benomyl (N-[1-(N-n-butylcarbamoyl)-1H-2-benzimidazolyl]methylcarbamate), kasugamycin (3-o-[2-amino-4-[(carboxyiminomethyl)amino]-2,3,4,6-tetradeoxy-α -D-arabino-hexopyranosyl]-D-chiro-inositol hydrochloride hydrate), tricyclazole (5-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3]benzothiazole), tetraconazole ((RS)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether), tebuconazole ((RS)-1-p-chlorophenyl-4,4-dimethyl-3- (1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pentan-3-ol), propiconazole ((2RS,4RS;2RS,4SR)-1-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole), ferimzone ((Z)-2'-methylacetophenone 4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-ylhydrazone), fthalide (4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide), thiophanate methyl (dimethyl more preferred are basic copper sulfate, benomyl, ferimzone, fthalide, iminoctadine acetate, and flutolanil, and even more preferred are ferimzone, fthalide, iminoctadine acetate, and flutolanil.

[0069] Examples of insecticides include those described in WO 2012 / 029893. As the insecticide, from the viewpoint of the potentiating effect of the present invention, preferred are permethrin (3-phenoxybenzyl 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate), dichlorvos (dimethyl 2,2-dichlorovinylphosphate (DDVP)), methomyl (S-methyl-N-[(methylcarbamoyl)-oxy]-thioacetimidate), ethiprole (5-amino-1-(2,6-dichloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)-4-ethylsulfinylpyrazole-3-carbonitrile), etofenprox (2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropyl 3-phenoxybenzyl ether), fenitrothion (o,o-dimethyl o-4-nitro-m-tolyl phosphorothioate), acephate (O,S-dimethyl acetyl phosphoramidothioate), clothianidin ((E)-1-(2-chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)-3-methyl-2-nitroguanidine), dinotefuran ((RS)-1-methyl-2-nitro-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl)guanidine), chlorantraniliprole (3-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-1-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide), more preferably acephate, clothianidin, dinotefuran, and chlorantraniliprole, and even more preferably clothianidin, dinotefuran, and chlorantraniliprole.

[0070] Examples of the miticide include those described in WO 2012 / 029893. From the viewpoint of the efficacy enhancement effect according to the present invention, preferred miticides are phenisobromorate (isopropyl 4,4'-dibromobenzilate), amitraz (1,5-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-1,3,5-triazapenta-1,4-diene), and fenpyroximate (t-butyl(E)-α-(1,3-dimethyl-5-phenoxypyrazol-4-ylmethyleneaminooxy)-p-toluate).

[0071] Examples of herbicides include those described in WO 2012 / 029893. From the viewpoint of the efficacy enhancement effect according to the present invention, preferred herbicides are DBN (2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile), diuron (DCMU, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea), paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride), diquat (1,1'-ethylene-2,2'-bipyridinium dibromide), glufosinate (ammonium-DL-homoalanin-4-yl(methyl)phosphinate), glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine or a salt thereof), and more preferably glyphosate. Examples of glyphosate include the isopropylamine salt, ammonium salt, potassium salt, sodium salt, and trimesium salt, and the isopropylamine salt is preferred.

[0072] The plant treatment composition of the present invention can contain a pesticide potentiator or a pesticide potentiator composition, for example, the pesticide potentiator composition of the present invention. When the plant treatment composition of the present invention contains a pesticide as a plant treatment agent, it preferably contains a pesticide potentiator. Specific examples and preferred embodiments of the pesticide potentiator are the same as those of the pesticide potentiator composition of the present invention.

[0073] The plant treatment composition of the present invention may contain the optional components described in the pesticide efficacy potentiator composition. For example, the plant treatment composition of the present invention may contain a component selected from the aforementioned component (B) and component (C). Specific examples and preferred aspects of these optional components are the same as those of the pesticide efficacy potentiator composition of the present invention.

[0074] The plant treatment composition of the present invention can contain water. The plant treatment composition of the present invention may be, for example, a composition in which component (A) and a plant treatment agent, such as a pesticide, are dissolved or dispersed in water. The water content of the plant treatment composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 98% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less.

[0075] The plant treatment composition of the present invention includes an agrochemical composition containing the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention, i.e., component (A), and an agrochemical.

[0076] The plant treatment composition of the present invention preferably contains 30 mg / kg or more and 6000 mg / kg or less of component (A) when used, i.e., when applied to plants. From the viewpoint of improving coverage, the content of component (A) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention when used is preferably 30 mg / kg or more and 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 300 mg / kg or less. The content of component (A) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention may be any amount that allows the content of component (A) when used to be adjusted within this range. The content of component (A) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving coverage and enhancing the efficacy of the plant treatment agent such as a pesticide, it is, for example, preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or less, and still more preferably 4% by mass or less, relative to the plant treatment agent such as a pesticide (in terms of active ingredient). When the plant treatment composition of the present invention is a pesticide composition, the content of the pesticide in the composition need only be an amount that can provide a concentration set for that pesticide during general use.

[0077] When the plant treatment composition of the present invention contains component (B1) as component (B), the content of component (B1) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention at the time of use is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving coverage and enhancing the efficacy of plant treatment agents such as pesticides, it is preferably 10 mg / kg or more and 5000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 30 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less. The content of component (B1) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention may be any amount that allows the content of component (B1) at the time of use to be adjusted within this range.

[0078] When the plant treatment composition of the present invention contains the component (B2) as the component (B), the content of the component (B2) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention at the time of use is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving coverage and enhancing the efficacy of plant treatment agents such as pesticides, it is preferably 50 mg / kg or more and 20,000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 500 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 1,000 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 3,000 mg / kg or more, more preferably 10,000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 8,000 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 6,000 mg / kg or less. The content of the component (B2) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention may be any amount that allows the content of the component (B2) at the time of use to be adjusted within this range.

[0079] When the plant treatment composition of the present invention contains the component (B3) as the component (B), the content of the component (B3) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention at the time of use is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving coverage and enhancing the efficacy of the pesticide, it is preferably 500 mg / kg or more and 50,000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 1,000 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 5,000 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 10,000 mg / kg or more, more preferably 30,000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 25,000 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 20,000 mg / kg or less. The content of the component (B3) in the plant treatment composition of the present invention may be any amount that allows the content of the component (B3) at the time of use to be adjusted within this range.

[0080] [Plant Treatment Method] The present invention provides a plant treatment method comprising the step of applying to a plant a treatment solution containing the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention and a plant treatment agent (hereinafter also referred to as the treatment solution of the present invention). The plant treatment method of the present invention comprises the step of applying to a plant a treatment solution containing at least one compound selected from the compounds (A1) to (A6) as component (A) and a plant treatment agent. The treatment solution of the present invention preferably contains water. For example, the plant treatment method of the present invention may be a plant treatment method comprising the step of applying to a plant a treatment solution containing component (A), a plant treatment agent, and water. The features described for the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents, evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, pesticide efficacy enhancer composition, and plant treatment agent composition of the present invention can be applied as appropriate to the plant treatment method of the present invention. For example, specific examples, preferred embodiments, and optional components of component (A) are the same as those for the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents of the present invention.

[0081] The treatment solution used in the plant treatment method of the present invention can be an evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, an agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition, or a plant treatment agent composition, as is. That is, if the content of component (A) in these compositions is suitable for application to plants, they may be used as is. Furthermore, a diluted solution obtained by diluting the composition with water can be used as the treatment solution of the present invention. For example, the treatment solution of the present invention may be the plant treatment agent composition of the present invention or a diluted solution obtained by diluting the composition with water. Furthermore, the treatment solution of the present invention may be obtained by separately mixing component (A), the plant treatment agent, and optional components, as necessary.

[0082] The treatment solution of the present invention to be applied to plants preferably contains 30 mg / kg or more and 6000 mg / kg or less of component (A). From the viewpoint of improving coverage, the content of component (A) is preferably 30 mg / kg or more and 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 300 mg / kg or less.

[0083] The treatment solution of the present invention may contain the above-described component (B) and / or component (C). In such cases, the contents of the respective components in the treatment solution of the present invention are preferably the contents or contents at the time of use described for the plant treatment composition of the present invention.

[0084] In the present invention, the treatment solution of the present invention can be applied to plants by spraying. Spraying can be performed using a conventional spraying device and spraying method used for spraying pesticides, etc., but aerial spraying is preferred from the viewpoint of low spray volume and efficient spraying. Aerial spraying is preferably performed using an aircraft equipped with a spraying device, or even an industrial multi-rotor (drone). For example, the present invention also provides a method for spraying a plant treatment composition, e.g., a pesticide composition, of the present invention, in which the plant treatment composition, e.g., a pesticide composition, is sprayed at the ratio described below.

[0085] When spraying the treatment solution of the present invention, there are no particular limitations on the spraying device used, and conventional spraying devices can be used. Spraying devices are classified by power type, such as human-powered or powered, and powered devices are classified into backpack, portable, traveling, and flying types, and any of these spraying devices can be used. Specific examples include manual sprayers, backpack sprayers, set sprayers, carry-on sprayers, self-propelled carry-on sprayers, self-propelled radio-controlled sprayers, speed sprayers, boom sprayers, industrial unmanned helicopters, and industrial multi-rotors (drones). From the viewpoint of demonstrating the advantageous effects of the present invention, industrial unmanned helicopters and industrial multi-rotors are preferred as spraying devices, with industrial multi-rotors being more preferred.

[0086] In the present invention, the treatment solution of the present invention is used in an amount of 10 a (1000 m ２ The spray amount is preferably 0.1 L or more, more preferably 0.5 L or more, even more preferably 0.6 L or more, even more preferably 0.7 L or more, even more preferably 0.8 L or more, and preferably 500 L or less, more preferably 200 L or less, even more preferably 50 L or less, and even more preferably 10 L or less. If the spray amount is equal to or greater than the lower limit, a sufficient effect of improving coverage can be obtained, and if it is equal to or less than the upper limit, the impact on the environment can be kept low. This spray amount is preferred when the content of component (A) in the spray solution, which is the treatment solution applied to plants, is within the above-mentioned range.

[0087] Plants that are the subject of the present invention include agricultural crops. Examples of agricultural crops include barley, peas, rice, wheat, cabbage, taro, potato, onion, corn, strawberry, melon, eggplant, tomato, leek, rapeseed, soybean, kidney bean, sweet potato, cucumber, Chinese cabbage, apple, pear, peach, persimmon, and citrus. In addition to these, the present invention can also be applied to plants such as trees and grass. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to harmful plants such as so-called weeds.

[0088] In the plant treatment method of the present invention, when the plant is an agricultural crop, the treatment solution of the present invention is preferably applied to the agricultural crop before harvest. That is, the treatment method of the present invention includes, for example, a method for treating agricultural crops comprising a step of applying the treatment solution of the present invention to the agricultural crop before harvest.

[0089] In the present invention, from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention, it is preferable to bring the treatment solution of the present invention into contact with a part of a plant where the contact angle with water is 50° or more and 180° or less, more preferably 70° or more and 180° or less, and even more preferably 90° or more and 180° or less. The contact angle with water of a plant can be measured by the following method. At 25°C, 5 μL of water is dropped onto the surface of the plant (for example, the surface of the third leaf), and after 10 seconds, an image is taken from the side of the water droplet using a digital microscope ("VHX-1000", manufactured by Keyence Corporation), and the contact angle is determined from the image taken by the θ / 2 method.

[0090] [Aspects of the Invention] In relation to the above-described embodiments, the present invention further discloses the following evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents, evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, pesticide efficacy enhancer composition, plant treatment agent composition, and plant treatment method. The matters described in relation to the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents, evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, pesticide efficacy enhancer composition, plant treatment agent composition, and plant treatment method of the present invention can be mutually applied, as appropriate, to these aspects.

[0091] <1> (A) An evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents, comprising at least one compound selected from the following compounds (A1) to (A6) [hereinafter referred to as component (A)]. <Compound (A1)> A compound in which at least one alkylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as AO) selected from ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as EO) and propylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as PO) is added to a compound of the following formula (I) in an average addition mole number of 1 to 22: R １ OH (I) [wherein R １ is an alkyl group having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A2)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a compound of the following formula (II) in an average addition mole number of from 1 to 22:２ —COOH (II) [wherein R ２ is an alkyl group having from 11 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having from 11 to 19 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A3)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a monoester of a fatty acid having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and sorbitan, with an average addition mole number of from 1 to 22. <Compound (A4)> A polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of from 100 to 3,000. <Compound (A5)> A compound represented by the following formula (III): R ３ -COO-R ４ (III) [wherein in formula (III), R ３ is an alkyl group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms; R ４ is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A6)> A compound represented by the following formula (IV): ５ —COOH (IV) [wherein R ５ is an alkyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms.

[0092] <2> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to <1>, wherein AO of the compound (A1) includes EO.

[0093] <3> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to <1> or <2>, wherein the average number of moles of AO added in the compound (A1) is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 4 or more, still more preferably 5 or more, and is 22 or less, preferably 20 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and even more preferably 15 or less.

[0094] <4> In formula (I) of compound (A1), R １ The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the number of carbon atoms in

[0095] <5> In formula (I) of compound (A1), R １is a linear or branched alkyl group, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and more preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0096] <6> The evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the compound (A1) is preferably polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) dodecyl ether, more preferably polyoxyethylene (5 or more and 12 or less) dodecyl ether, and even more preferably polyoxyethylene (6) dodecyl ether.

[0097] <7> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein AO of the compound (A2) includes EO.

[0098] <8> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the average number of moles of AO added in the compound (A2) is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 4 or more, still more preferably 5 or more, and is 22 or less, preferably 20 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and even more preferably 15 or less.

[0099] <9> In the formula (II) of the compound (A2), R ２ The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the number of carbon atoms in the group is 11 or more, preferably 13 or more, more preferably 15 or more, and 19 or less, preferably 18 or less, more preferably 17 or less.

[0100] <10> In the formula (II) of the compound (A2), R ２ is a linear or branched chain, preferably a linear alkyl group or a linear alkenyl group, more preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0101] <11> The evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <10>, wherein compound (A2) is a compound selected from polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) laurate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) myristate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) palmitate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) stearate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) oleate, and compounds in which part or all of the oxyethylene groups in these compounds have been substituted with oxypropylene, preferably polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) oleate, more preferably polyoxyethylene (5 or more and 12 or less) oleate, and even more preferably polyoxyethylene (10) oleate.

[0102] <12> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein AO of the compound (A3) includes EO.

[0103] <13> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein the average number of moles of AO added in the compound (A3) is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 4 or more, still more preferably 5 or more, and is 22 or less, preferably 20 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and even more preferably 15 or less.

[0104] <14> The evaporation inhibitor for use in plant treatment agents according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid that is a component of compound (A3) is 10 or more, preferably 11 or more, more preferably 12 or more, and 20 or less, preferably 18 or less, more preferably 16 or less.

[0105] <15> The evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <14>, wherein the fatty acid, which is a constituent component of the compound (A3), is saturated or unsaturated, preferably a straight-chain saturated fatty acid or unsaturated fatty acid, more preferably a straight-chain saturated fatty acid.

[0106] <16> The evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein the fatty acid, which is a constituent component of compound (A3), is a fatty acid selected from decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, dodecenoic acid, tetradecenoic acid, hexadecenoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, preferably dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, and oleic acid, and more preferably dodecanoic acid.

[0107] <17> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <16>, wherein the monoester of a fatty acid and sorbitan, which is a component of compound (A3), is a compound selected from sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, and sorbitan monooleate, preferably a compound selected from sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, and sorbitan monooleate, more preferably sorbitan monolaurate.

[0108] <18> The evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <17>, wherein compound (A3) is a compound selected from polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monomyristate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monooleate, and compounds in which part or all of the oxyethylene groups in these compounds have been substituted with oxypropylene, preferably polyoxyethylene (1 or more and 22 or less) sorbitan monolaurate, more preferably polyoxyethylene (5 or more and 12 or less) sorbitan monolaurate, and even more preferably polyoxyethylene (6) sorbitan monolaurate.

[0109] <19> The evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <18>, in which the weight-average molecular weight of compound (A4) is 100 or more, preferably 150 or more, more preferably 200 or more, and 3000 or less, preferably 2500 or less, more preferably 2000 or less.

[0110] <20> The evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents according to any one of <1> to <19>, wherein compound (A4) is a compound selected from the following compounds (A4-1) and (A4-2): <Compound (A4-1)> Polyethylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 100 or more and 3,000 or less <Compound (A4-2)> Polypropylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 800 or more and 3,000 or less

[0111] <21> In the formula (III) of the compound (A5), R ３ <21> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <20>, wherein the number of carbon atoms in

[0112] <22> In the formula (III) of the compound (A5), R ３ <22> The evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <21>, wherein is a linear or branched alkyl group, preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0113] <23> The compound (A5) is a compound selected from methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, n-butyl palmitate, n-butyl stearate, isobutyl palmitate, isobutyl stearate, t-butyl palmitate, t-butyl stearate, n-octyl palmitate, n-octyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate, decyl palmitate, decyl stearate, dodecyl palmitate, dodecyl stearate, isotridecyl palmitate, isotridecyl stearate, hexadecyl palmitate, hexadecyl stearate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, 2-hexyldecyl stearate, and stearyl stearate. Preferably, it is a compound selected from isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isobutyl palmitate, isobutyl stearate, t-butyl palmitate, t-butyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate, decyl palmitate, decyl stearate, dodecyl palmitate, dodecyl stearate, isotridecyl palmitate, isotridecyl stearate, hexadecyl palmitate, hexadecyl stearate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, and 2-hexyldecyl stearate. The evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <22> is more preferably a compound selected from 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl stearate, decyl palmitate, decyl stearate, dodecyl palmitate, dodecyl stearate, isotridecyl palmitate, isotridecyl stearate, 2-hexyldecyl palmitate, and 2-hexyldecyl stearate, even more preferably a compound selected from dodecyl stearate, isotridecyl stearate, and 2-hexyldecyl stearate, and still more preferably isotridecyl stearate.

[0114] <24> In the formula (IV) of the compound (A6), R ５The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <23>, wherein the number of carbon atoms in the group is 7 or more, preferably 8 or more, more preferably 9 or more, and 19 or less, preferably 17 or less, more preferably 15 or less.

[0115] <25> In the formula (IV) of the compound (A6), R ５ is a linear or branched alkyl group, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0116] <26> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <25>, wherein compound (A6) is a compound selected from caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid, preferably capric acid and oleic acid, and more preferably capric acid.

[0117] <27> The evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <26>, which is used by being incorporated into a treatment solution to be applied to plants, and which has a concentration of the component (A) during use, based on the treatment solution to be applied to plants, of preferably 30 mg / kg or more, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 300 mg / kg or less.

[0118] <28> An evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, comprising the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents according to any one of <1> to <27>.

[0119] <29> The evaporation inhibitor composition for use in a plant treatment agent according to <28>, which is used by being incorporated into a treatment solution to be applied to plants, and which has a concentration of the component (A) during use, based on the treatment solution to be applied to plants, of preferably 30 mg / kg or more, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 300 mg / kg or less.

[0120] <30> The evaporation inhibitor composition for a plant treatment agent according to <28> or <29>, wherein the content of the component (A) is less than 100% by mass, preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less, still more preferably 10% by mass or less, still more preferably 5% by mass or less, still more preferably 3% by mass or less, and is 0.005% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more.

[0121] <31> A pesticide efficacy potentiator composition comprising the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents according to any one of <1> to <27> and (B) a pesticide efficacy potentiator other than the component (A) [hereinafter referred to as component (B)].

[0122] <32> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to <31>, wherein the content of the component (A) is 80% by mass or less, preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or less, still more preferably 5% by mass or less, still more preferably 3% by mass or less, and 0.005% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more.

[0123] <33> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to <31> or <32>, containing, as component (B), one or more selected from (B1) an emulsifier other than component (A) [hereinafter referred to as component (B1)] and (B2) a (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester [hereinafter referred to as component (B2)].

[0124] <34> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to <33>, wherein the component (B1) is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following formula (V) and a compound represented by the following formula (VI): ６ O (R ８ O) ｎ SO ３ － M ＋ (V) R ７ SO ３ － M ＋ (VI) (In formulas (V) and (VI), R ６ and R ７ each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 8 or more carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12 or more, and 24 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less, preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, more preferably an alkyl group, and even more preferably a linear alkyl group; R ８ is an alkylene group having 2 or more and 4 or less, preferably 3 or less, and more preferably 2 carbon atoms; n is the average number of moles added and is 0 or more, preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, and 30 or less, preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less, and even more preferably 3 or less; M ＋ is a counter ion, preferably an alkali metal ion, ammonium ion, or triethanolammonium ion, more preferably an alkali metal ion or ammonium ion, and even more preferably an ammonium ion.

[0125] <35> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to <33> or <34>, containing the component (B1) in an amount of preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0126] <36> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to any one of <33> to <35>, wherein the component (B2) is a (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester in which the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid is from 8 to 16 and the average degree of condensation of glycerin is from 1 to 3.

[0127] <37> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to any one of <33> to <36>, wherein in the component (B2), the fatty acid has 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, and 16 or less, preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less, and even more preferably 10 carbon atoms.

[0128] <38> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to any one of <33> to <36>, wherein in the component (B2), the fatty acid is a fatty acid having a linear or branched alkyl group or a linear or branched alkenyl group, preferably a fatty acid having a linear alkyl group, more preferably a fatty acid selected from caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid.

[0129] <39> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to any one of <33> to <38>, in which, in the component (B2), the average degree of condensation of glycerin is 1 or more and 3 or less, preferably 2 or less, and more preferably 2.

[0130] <40> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to any one of <33> to <39>, wherein the ester bond in the component (B2) is in the form of a monoester and / or a diester, preferably a monoester.

[0131] <41> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to any one of <31> to <40>, containing, as component (C), a compound having an SP value of preferably 8 or more, more preferably 8.4 or more, even more preferably 9.5 or more, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 16 or less, even more preferably 14 or less.

[0132] <42> The pesticide efficacy enhancer composition according to any one of <31> to <41>, which is used by incorporating it into a treatment solution to be applied to plants, and which has a concentration of the component (A) during use, based on the treatment solution to be applied to plants, of preferably 30 mg / kg or more, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 300 mg / kg or less.

[0133] <43> The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to any one of <31> to <42>, wherein the content of component (A) is less than 100% by mass, preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less, still more preferably 10% by mass or less, still more preferably 5% by mass or less, still more preferably 3% by mass or less, and is 0.005% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more.

[0134] <44> A plant treatment agent composition containing the evaporation inhibitor for a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <27> and a plant treatment agent.

[0135] <45> The plant treatment agent composition according to <44>, wherein the plant treatment agent is a component selected from pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives, and further is a pesticide.

[0136] <46> The plant treatment composition according to <45>, wherein the agricultural chemical is at least one selected from a fungicide, an insecticide, an acaricide, a herbicide, and a plant growth regulator.

[0137] <47> The plant treatment composition according to any one of <44> to <46>, further comprising (B) a pesticide efficacy enhancer other than the component (A) [hereinafter referred to as component (B)].

[0138] <48> The plant treatment composition according to <47>, comprising, as component (B), one or more selected from (B1) an emulsifier other than component (A) [hereinafter referred to as component (B1)] and (B2) a (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester [hereinafter referred to as component (B2)].

[0139] <49> The plant treatment composition according to <47> or <48>, which contains the component (B1), and the content of the component (B1) at the time of use is preferably 10 mg / kg or more, more preferably 30 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 5000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less.

[0140] <50> The plant treatment composition according to any one of <47> to <49>, which contains the component (B2), and the content of the component (B2) at the time of use is preferably 50 mg / kg or more, more preferably 500 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 1000 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 3000 mg / kg or more, and preferably 20000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 10000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 8000 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 6000 mg / kg or less.

[0141] <51> The plant treatment composition according to any one of <47> to <50>, comprising as the component (B) a pesticide efficacy enhancer other than the component (B1) and the component (B2) [hereinafter referred to as the component (B3)], wherein the content of the component (B3) at the time of use is preferably 500 mg / kg or more, more preferably 1,000 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 5,000 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 10,000 mg / kg or more, and preferably 50,000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 30,000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 25,000 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 20,000 mg / kg or less.

[0142] <52> The plant treatment composition according to any one of <44> to <51>, wherein the content of component (A) during use is preferably 30 mg / kg or more, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 300 mg / kg or less.

[0143] <53> The plant treatment composition according to any one of <44> to <52>, which contains water.

[0144] <54> The plant treatment composition according to <53>, wherein the water content is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 98% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less.

[0145] <55> A method for treating plants, comprising a step of applying to a plant a treatment solution containing the evaporation inhibitor for use in a plant treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <27> and a plant treatment agent.

[0146] <56> The method for treating plants according to <55>, wherein the treatment liquid is the plant treatment composition according to any one of <44> to <54> or a diluted solution obtained by diluting the composition with water.

[0147] <57> The method for treating a plant according to <55> or <56>, wherein the treatment solution contains the component (A) in an amount of preferably 30 mg / kg or more, more preferably 50 mg / kg or more, even more preferably 70 mg / kg or more, still more preferably 100 mg / kg or more, and preferably 6000 mg / kg or less, more preferably 3000 mg / kg or less, even more preferably 2000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 1000 mg / kg or less, still more preferably 500 mg / kg or less, and still more preferably 300 mg / kg or less.

[0148] <58> The method for treating plants according to any one of <55> to <57>, wherein the treatment solution is applied to plants by aerial spraying.

[0149] <59> The method for treating plants according to <58>, wherein the aerial spraying is carried out using a spraying device, further selected from a manual sprayer, a backpack sprayer, a set sprayer, a carry-on sprayer, a self-propelled carry-on sprayer, a self-propelled radio-controlled sprayer, a speed sprayer, a boom sprayer, an industrial unmanned helicopter, and an industrial multi-rotor (drone), further selected from an industrial unmanned helicopter and an industrial multi-rotor, further selected from an industrial multi-rotor.

[0150] <60> The method for treating plants according to <58> or <59>, wherein the aerial spraying is carried out by an aircraft.

[0151] <61> The method for treating plants according to <60>, wherein the aircraft is an industrial multi-rotor aircraft.

[0152] <62> The treatment liquid is added to 10a (1000m ２ The method for treating plants according to any one of <55> to <61>, wherein the amount of the spray is preferably 0.1 L or more, more preferably 0.5 L or more, even more preferably 0.6 L or more, further more preferably 0.7 L or more, further more preferably 0.8 L or more, and preferably 500 L or less, more preferably 200 L or less, further more preferably 50 L or less, and further more preferably 10 L or less, per 1000 m² of soil.

[0153] <63> The method for treating plants according to any one of <55> to <62>, wherein the plants are agricultural crops.

[0154] <64> The method for treating a plant according to <63>, wherein the crop is a plant selected from barley, pea, rice, wheat, cabbage, taro, potato, onion, corn, strawberry, melon, eggplant, tomato, leek, rapeseed, soybean, kidney bean, sweet potato, cucumber, Chinese cabbage, apple, pear, peach, persimmon, and citrus.

[0155] <65> The method for treating a plant according to any one of <55> to <64>, wherein the plant is an agricultural crop, and the treatment solution is applied to the agricultural crop before harvesting.

[0156] <66> The method for treating a plant according to any one of <55> to <62>, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of trees and grasses.

[0157] <67> The method for treating a plant according to any one of <55> to <62>, wherein the plant is a harmful plant, and further is a weed.

[0158] <68> The method for treating a plant according to any one of <55> to <67>, wherein the treatment solution is brought into contact with a part of the plant having a contact angle with water of 50° or more, further 70° or more, further 90° or more, and further 180° or less.

[0159] The components used in the examples and comparative examples are listed below. Each component was used in its original form in the product. The parts by weight in the table are based on the amount used.

[0160] [Component (A)] A-1: ​​"Rheodol TW-L106" (Polyoxyethylene (6) sorbitan monolaurate, manufactured by Kao Corporation) A-2: Polyoxyethylene (10) oleate A-3: Polyoxyethylene (6) lauryl ether A-4: "Exeparl TD-S" (Isotridecyl stearate, manufactured by Kao Corporation) A-5: "Polyethylene glycol 2000" (Polyethylene glycol, manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., average molecular weight 1850-2150) A-6: "Polypropylene glycol, diol type, 2,000" (Polypropylene glycol, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., average molecular weight approximately 2000) A-7: "Lunac 1098" (Capric acid, manufactured by Kao Corporation) A-8: Oleic acid (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)

[0161] [Component (B)] <Component (B1)> B1-1: "Latemul AD-25" (ammonium lauryl sulfate, manufactured by Kao Corporation, 24.0% by mass aqueous solution) B1-2: "Rheodol 440V" (polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitol tetraoleate, manufactured by Kao Corporation)

[0162] <Component (B2)> B2-1: "Sunsoft No. 760-C" (glyceryl caprate, manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.)

[0163] <Component (B3)> B3-1: "Makupika" (93.0% by mass of polyoxyethylene methylpolysiloxane, manufactured by Ishihara Biosciences Co., Ltd.) B3-2: "Squash" (70% by mass of sorbitan fatty acid ester, 5.5% by mass of polyoxyethylene resin acid ester, manufactured by Kao Corporation)

[0164] [Component (C)] C-1: "Kalcol 1098" (n-decanol, manufactured by Kao Corporation) C-2: "DMSO" (dimethyl sulfoxide, manufactured by Toray Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.)

[0165] [Pesticides] Pesticide 1: "Brassidanttsu (registered trademark) Flowable" (clothianidin 6.6% by mass, ferimzone 15.0% by mass, fthalide 15.0% by mass, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.) Pesticide 2: "Topzin M Sol" (thiophanate methyl 40.0% by mass, manufactured by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) Pesticide 3: "Starkle Mate Liquid 10" (dinotefuran 10.0% by mass, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals Agro Inc.) Pesticide 4: "Moncut (registered trademark) Beflan (registered trademark) Flowable" (iminoctadine acetate 10.0% by mass, flutolanil 20.0% by mass, manufactured by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) Pesticide 5: "Prebason (registered trademark) Flowable 5" (chlorantraniliprole 5.0% by mass, manufactured by FMC Chemicals Co., Ltd.)

[0166] [Pesticide efficacy enhancer compositions] D-1 to D-7: Pesticide efficacy enhancer compositions shown in Table 1. D-6 and D-7 are also evaporation inhibitor compositions for plant treatment agents.

[0167]

[0168] [Other Components] Water: purified water with a pH of 1 μS / cm or less produced using a water purifier G-10DSTSET manufactured by Organo Corporation

[0169] [Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7] Using the above-mentioned components, the pesticide compositions shown in Tables 2 to 8 were prepared. Using the obtained pesticide compositions, the coverage rate of the target object was measured by the following method. The coverage rate is also shown as a relative value to the blank for each test group. Some of the ratios to the blank in the tables correspond to the coverage rate ratios described above. The results are shown in Tables 2 to 8. The pesticide compositions in Tables 2 to 8 correspond to the treatment solutions applied to plants.

[0170] <Coverage Measurement Method 1> Each pesticide composition was filled into a polypropylene spray vial (Maruem Co., Ltd., No. 6) to prepare a spray article for evaluation. Under a windless indoor environment with an air temperature of 21°C and humidity of 40%, samples (water-sensitive paper or cut plant leaves) were attached to acrylic plates (Hikari Co., Ltd., 160 mm x 180 mm) with double-sided tape at positions 1 to 6 of the 0.5 m x 1.0 m sections shown in Figure 1 , and fixed to the floor. The head of the spray article was pushed at a height of 2 m above the center point of each of the eight equal-sized sections. Since one push dispenses 62.5 μL, a total ejection volume of 0.5 mL for eight pushes corresponds to 1.0 L / 10 a. After spraying the pesticide composition, the sample surface was observed with a digital microscope ("VHX-1000," Keyence Corporation), the area of ​​discoloration was determined, and the average value of the six positions was taken as the coverage rate (%). The covered area of ​​the water-sensitive paper was the area of ​​the part that changed color from yellow to blue, and the covered area of ​​the plant leaf was the area of ​​the part that turned white. Water-sensitive paper: Water-sensitive test paper (model number 20301-1N, 76 mm x 26 mm, manufactured by Spraying Systems Co.) Plant leaf: Rice (Koshihikari, tillering stage) leaf (contact angle to water: 141°)

[0171] Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 The coverage rates of water-sensitive paper and plant leaves were determined using the pesticide compositions shown in Table 2. Table 2 shows that, for any pesticide, the pesticide composition using component (A) had a higher coverage rate on water-sensitive paper than the blank not containing component (A), and was able to suppress evaporation. It can also be seen that the improved coverage rate resulted in an improved coverage rate on the plant leaf surface, allowing the pesticide to wet and spread after coating, and increasing the spread area on the leaf surface.

[0172]

[0173] Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 The coverage rates of water-sensitive paper and plant leaves were determined using the pesticide compositions shown in Table 3. Table 3 shows that the pesticide composition using component (A) had a higher coverage rate of water-sensitive paper than the blank containing no component (A), and was able to suppress evaporation. It can also be seen that the improved coverage rate resulted in an improved coverage rate on the plant leaf surface, allowing the pesticide to wet and spread after coating, and increasing the spread area on the leaf surface.

[0174]

[0175] Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 Using the pesticide compositions shown in Table 4, the coverage rates of water-sensitive paper and plant leaves were determined. Table 4 shows that the pesticide composition using component (A) has a higher coverage rate of water-sensitive paper than the blank containing no component (A), and is able to suppress evaporation. It can also be seen that the improved coverage rate also improves the coverage rate of the plant leaf surface, allowing the pesticide to wet and spread after coating, and increasing the spread area on the leaf surface. It can also be seen that the coverage rate is further improved by using component (B), or the combined use of component (B) and component (C).

[0176]

[0177] Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 The coverage rates of water-sensitive paper and plant leaves were determined using the pesticide compositions shown in Table 5. Table 5 shows that the pesticide composition using component (A) had a higher coverage rate of water-sensitive paper than the blank containing no component (A), and was able to suppress evaporation. It can also be seen that the improved coverage rate resulted in an improved coverage rate on the plant leaf surface, allowing the pesticide to wet and spread after coating, and increasing the spread area on the leaf surface.

[0178]

[0179] Example 5 and Comparative Example 5 The coverage of water-sensitive paper was determined using the pesticide compositions shown in Table 6. Table 6 shows that the pesticide compositions using component (A) had a higher coverage of water-sensitive paper than the blank containing no component (A), and were able to suppress evaporation.

[0180]

[0181] Example 6 and Comparative Example 6 The coverage rate of water-sensitive paper was determined using the pesticide compositions shown in Table 7. Table 7 shows that the pesticide compositions using the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition containing component (A) had a higher coverage rate of water-sensitive paper than the blanks not using the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition, regardless of which pesticide was used, and were able to suppress evaporation.

[0182]

[0183] Example 7 and Comparative Example 7 The coverage rate of water-sensitive paper was determined using the pesticide compositions shown in Table 8. The results are shown in Table 8. The pesticide compositions in Table 8 correspond to the treatment solutions applied to plants. Table 8 shows that the pesticide compositions using the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition containing component (A) had a higher coverage rate of water-sensitive paper than the blank using the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition not containing component (A), regardless of which pesticide was used, and were therefore able to suppress evaporation.

[0184]

[0185] Example 8 and Comparative Example 8 Coverage Rate Measurement Method 2 1.6 kg of each pesticide composition was filled into the tank of a pesticide spray drone ("AGRAS MG-1," manufactured by DJI, using a model TX-VK8 nozzle manufactured by Spraying Systems Co.). Outdoors, at positions 1 to 12 of the 16 m x 8 m plot shown in Figure 2, samples (cut plant leaves) were attached one by one to an acrylic plate (manufactured by Hikari Co., Ltd., 160 mm x 180 mm) with double-sided tape and fixed to the ground. The plots in Figure 2 are designated as plots 1 to 4, spaced 4 m apart from the left, and the pesticide composition was sprayed from bottom to top in the center of plot 1, from top to bottom in the center of plot 2, from bottom to top in the center of plot 3, and from top to bottom in the center of plot 4. The spray conditions were a spray height of 2 m, a discharge rate of 800 mL / min, and a flight speed of 15 km / h, and the amount of the pesticide composition sprayed was equivalent to 0.8 L / 10 a. After spraying the pesticide composition, the sample surface was observed with a digital microscope ("VHX-1000", manufactured by Keyence Corporation), the area of ​​the discolored site was determined, and the average value of 12 locations was taken as the coverage rate (%). - Plant leaves: rice (Koshihikari, tillering stage) leaves (contact angle with water 141°)

[0186] The pesticide compositions shown in Table 9 were prepared using the above components. The coverage of the target object was measured using the obtained pesticide compositions using the method described above. The coverage was also shown as a relative value to the blank for each test group. The results are shown in Table 9. The pesticide compositions in Table 9 correspond to the treatment solutions applied to plants. Table 9 shows that the pesticide compositions using the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition containing component (A) had a higher coverage of the plant leaf surface than the blanks not using the pesticide efficacy enhancer composition, and were able to suppress evaporation.

[0187]

Claims

1. (A) An evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents, comprising at least one compound selected from the following compounds (A1) to (A6) [hereinafter referred to as component (A)]. <Compound (A1)> A compound in which at least one alkylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as AO) selected from ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as EO) and propylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as PO) is added to a compound of the following formula (I) in an average added mole number of 1 to 22: R １ OH (I) (wherein, in formula (I), R １ R is an alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A2)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a compound of the following formula (II) in an average added mole number of 1 to 22: ２ —COOH (II) [wherein R ２ is an alkyl group having 11 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 11 to 19 carbon atoms.] <Compound (A3)> A compound in which at least one AO ​​selected from EO and PO is added to a monoester of a fatty acid having 10 to 20 carbon atoms and sorbitan in an average added mole number of 1 to 22. <Compound (A4)> A polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 100 to 3000. <Compound (A5)> A compound represented by the following formula (III): R ３ -COO-R ４ (III) [In the formula (III), R ３ is an alkyl group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms; R ４ R is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. Compound (A6) A compound represented by the following formula (IV): ５ —COOH (IV) [wherein R ５ is an alkyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 7 to 19 carbon atoms.

2. An evaporation inhibitor composition for plant treatment agents, comprising the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents according to claim 1.

3. A pesticide efficacy enhancer composition comprising the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents described in claim 1 and (B) a pesticide efficacy enhancer other than component (A) [hereinafter referred to as component (B)].

4. The agricultural chemical efficacy enhancer composition according to claim 3, containing as component (B) one or more selected from (B1) an emulsifier other than component (A) and (B2) a (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester.

5. A plant treatment agent composition comprising the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents according to claim 1 and a plant treatment agent.

6. The plant treatment composition according to claim 5, wherein the plant treatment agent is an ingredient selected from the group consisting of pesticides, fertilizers and preservatives.

7. The plant treatment composition according to claim 6, wherein the agricultural chemical is at least one selected from the group consisting of fungicides, insecticides, miticides, herbicides and plant growth regulators.

8. A plant treatment agent composition according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the content of the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents during use is 30 mg / kg or more and 6,000 mg / kg or less.

9. A plant treatment composition according to any one of claims 5 to 8, which contains (B) a pesticide efficacy enhancer other than component (A).

10. The plant treatment composition according to claim 9, containing, as component (B), one or more selected from (B1) an emulsifier other than component (A) and (B2) a (poly)glycerin fatty acid ester.

11. A method for treating plants, comprising the step of applying to plants a treatment liquid containing the evaporation inhibitor for use in plant treating agents according to claim 1 and a plant treating agent.

12. The method for treating plants according to claim 11, wherein the treatment liquid is a plant treatment composition according to any one of claims 5 to 10 or a diluted liquid obtained by diluting said composition with water.

13. The method for treating plants according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the treatment solution is brought into contact with a part of the plant having a contact angle with water of 50° or more and 180° or less.

14. The method for treating plants according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the treatment solution is applied to the plants by aerial spraying.

15. The method for treating plants according to claim 14, wherein the aerial spraying is carried out by an aircraft.

16. The method for treating plants according to claim 15, wherein the aircraft is an industrial multirotor.

17. A method for treating plants according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the treatment solution contains 30 mg / kg or more and 6,000 mg / kg or less of the evaporation inhibitor for plant treatment agents.

18. A method for treating plants according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the treatment solution is sprayed at a rate of 0.1 L or more and 500 L or less per 10 a.

19. The method for treating plants according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the plants are agricultural crops and the treatment solution is applied to the crops before harvest.