Manufacture and use of a herbicide formulation

Abstract

The invention pertains to a method for manufacture and use of a herbicidal formulation of chlorinated carboxylic acid herbicides. A number of different solvents have been found useful in this application. Furthermore, the use of surfactants that act as solvents for the acid herbicides has been discovered. These formulations have shown superior herbicidal activity when compared to standard salt and ester forms.

Description

[0001] This application claims benefit to U.S. provisional application serial No. 60 / 250,547 filed Dec. 1, 2000 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all useful purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002] The invention pertains to a method for manufacture and use of a herbicidal formulation of chlorinated carboxylic acid herbicides.[0003] Many agricultural formulations contain water-soluble salts of chlorinated carboxylic acid herbicides. These salts, often alkylamine salts or metal salts, are generally not as active as their acid equivalents. For example, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid ("2,4-D") acid is known to be more herbicidally active than the dimethylamine salt of 2,4-D. Also, many of the chlorinated carboxylic acid herbicides are sold to the end users as esters because these esters are more active than the corresponding amine formulation. For instance, it is generally known that 2,4-D ester formulations are more effective as herbicides than 2,4-D amine form...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The esters, however, are more likely to volatilize even after deposition onto target areas.

After volatilization, these esters can cause significant damage to off-target plants.

However, they are not significantly soluble in water.

Previously, solvents used to formulate 2,4-D acid such as xylene range hydrocarbons, are known to be phytotoxic to plants and may enhance herbicide volatility and subsequent drift to non-target areas.

Another problem associated with the amine salts of some chlorinated carboxylic acid herbicides is their inability to mix with fertilizers.

2,4-D amine herbicides cannot be mixed directly into Uran (urea-ammonia nitrate) fertilizer without some dilution in water.

This is a disadvantage for applicators, since this dilution practice increase the total spray volume they must apply per acre.

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