A method for controlling weeds

Abstract

The present disclosure relates ttoo a method for controlling unwanted vegetation / weeds. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, with a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide.

Description

[0001] A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WEEDS

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling weeds. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling weeds by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination / composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0005] Weeds are undesirable plants that are detrimental to agriculture and significantly affect crop yields. Farmers use various types of herbicides to control weeds. Herbicides are chemical substances, which are used to specifically control the unwanted plants / weeds.

[0006] The Lolium genus (Family: Poaceae) is comprised of several perennial and annual species. The genus Lolium comprises grasses recognized for their high productivity, persistence, nutritional content, and ability to adapt to a variety of environmental condition. However, and most importantly, they are considered major weeds of worldwide importance in cropping systems that infest numerous agricultural and non-agricultural areas. Under severe infestation, Lolium species can cause yield reductions of more than 30% in crops where they are present. The evolution of herbicide resistance in Lolium populations makes control more difficult, thus increasing the likelihood of yield loss. Herbicide resistance to 14 herbicide mechanisms of action (MOA) has been reported in Lolium genus. No other weed species has evolved herbicide resistance at this pace. Lolium genus have evolved both target site and non-target site mechanisms of resistance. Furthermore, different herbicide resistance mechanisms to the same MOA have been observed within a single population. As a consequence of its characteristics, its control in requires a herbicide with long effective period of (residual) control. In such cases, an effective herbicidal combination may hold some potential for good control over this weed. The herbicides, solo or combinations presently known are not sufficient to control resistant and persistent Lolium genus weeds, for example Lolium rigidum.

[0007] Another problem identified is the Raphanus genus (Family: Brassicaceae), which is considered a serious weed of field and garden crops in areas where it is most prevalent. Its prolific seed production and persistent seed bank ensure that even a small number of plants surviving herbicide control measures can contaminate crops. Selective herbicide control is also difficult in crops infested with this weed.

[0008] There is a constant need to develop effective herbicidal combinations to control the growth of unwanted plants / weeds. Furthermore, selective control of unwanted plants / weeds in crops is a key challenge facing modem agriculture, as the herbicides may not always result in the desired effect. Combinations of herbicides may result in an additive effect or an antagonistic effect. It may also result in phytotoxicity to the crops making it an undesirable combination. Consequently, herbicides need to be carefully selected so that they can be combined to offer an efficacy that would control weeds while having no phytotoxic effect on the crop and reduce the chances of the weeds developing resistance to a particular herbicide.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method of protecting crops from Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds using herbicidal combinations that have advantageous properties such as being efficacious, helping in resistance management, reducing dosage of herbicides used and providing improved residual effects.

[0010] OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0011] It is a primary objective of the present disclosure to provide a method for controlling weeds of Lolium genus and Raphanus genus by applying a herbicidal combination.

[0012] It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide a method for efficient control, suppression and eradication of weeds of Lolium genus and Raphanus genus, by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0013] It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a method for controlling weeds of Lolium genus and Raphanus genus, by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide, wherein the method comprises applying the combination to a plant or a locus thereof, where undesirable vegetation occurs or is expected to occur.

[0014] It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a method of increasing yield in a plant by application of the herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0015] It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a method of improving the plant health by application of the herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0017] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds of Lolium genus and Raphanus genus, by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds of Lolium genus and Raphanus genus, by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, a phenyl ether herbicide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0020] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description that follows, which illustrates by way of example, the most preferred features of the present disclosure which are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure described herein.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0022] The present disclosure now will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying examples, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This description is not intended to be a detailed catalogue of all the different ways in which the disclosure may be implemented, or all the features that may be added to the instant disclosure. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant disclosure. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the disclosure, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

[0024] “About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±10 or ±5 of the stated value.

[0025] The use of the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc., as used herein are not meant to denote any particular ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers.

[0026] The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

[0027] While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0028] The term “Lolium genus weeds” or “weeds of Lolium genus” in the present scope of discussion refers to grasses with spike-like inflorescence structure. That is, Lolium genus weeds is a weed as it is not the target crop. Lolium genus weed means all the species falling within genus Lolium in the family Poaceae and comprises species such as Lolium rigidum, Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium temulentum, Lolium loliaceum, Lolium remotum, or combinations thereof.

[0029] The term “Raphanus genus weeds” or “weeds of Raphanus genus” in the present scope of discussion refers to annual or biennial plants, with a taproot which is much enlarged in the cultivated radish.. That is, Raphanus genus weed is a weed as it is not the target crop. Raphanus genus weeds means all the species falling within genus Lolium in the family Brassicaceae and comprises species such as Raphanus raphanistrum, Raphanus sativus, or combinations thereof.

[0030] The term “control” relates to a weed, includes control of the weed, as well as protecting a plant, a portion of the plant, or a plant seed from attack or invasion by said weed.

[0031] As used herein, the term “agrochemical” refers to all active substances which can be used in the agrochemical field, i.e., fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, molluscicides, rodenticides, repellents, plant growth regulators, herbicides and safeners, and plant nutrients.

[0032] Subsequently, the term “herbicide” encompasses both herbicides as well as plant growth regulators, in so far as this does not otherwise emerge from the context. The term herbicide as used herein denotes a compound which controls or modifies the growth of undesired weeds / plants.

[0033] The term “herbicidally effective amount” indicates the quantity of such a compound or combination of such compounds which is capable of controlling or modifying effect on the growth of harmful plants / undesired vegetation / weeds. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, leaf bum, albinism, dwarfism, etc. As used herein the term “plant” or “crop” refers to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), plant cells, and plant seeds. This term also encompasses plant crops such as fruits. The term “plant” may further include the propagation material thereof, which may include all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolon, and buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil.

[0034] As used herein, the term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of a plant, such as seeds, vegetative material such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants, germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion.

[0035] As used herein, the term “seed” embraces seeds and plant propagules of all kinds including but not limited to true seeds, seed pieces, suckers, corms, bulbs, fruit, tubers, grains, cuttings, cut shoots and the like. In a preferred embodiment, a seed is a true seed.

[0036] As used herein, the term “pre-emergence” refers to the time point before seedlings emerge from the ground. When any herbicide is applied at pre-emergence stage, it prevents establishment of the germinated weed seedlings.

[0037] As used herein, the term “post-emergence” refers to the time point after seedlings emerge from the ground. When any herbicide is applied at post-emergence stage, it prevents growth of the germinated weed seedlings. As used herein, the term “increased yield” of an agricultural plant means that the yield of a product of the respective plant is increased by a measurable amount over the yield of the same product of the plant produced under the same conditions, but without the application of the compositions described herein. According to the present disclosure, it is preferred that the crop yield be increased by at least 0.5%, preferably at least 2%, more preferably at least 5%, upon application of the combinations and compositions described herein.

[0038] The term “weed” as used herein refers to the plant whose growth is considered undesirable in a particular situation i.e., growth of a plant at a wrong place and includes pesticide resistant plants. In the broadest sense, the term “weed” refers to plants which grow in locations in which they are not desired. In other words, a “weed” is a plant in which in the context of a crop is undesirable due to competition for water, nutrients, sunlight, soil, etc. The term may also refer to crop plants which are undesirable at a location. As used herein, the terms “undesirable vegetation”, “harmful plants”, “unwanted plants”, “weeds” and “weed species”, as used herein, are synonyms and particularly refer to Lolium and Raphanus genus and species.

[0039] The terms “g a.i. / ha” as used herein denotes the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “grams” applied “per hectare” of the crop field. The terms “g ai / ha”, “g a.i. / ha” and “g / ha” may be used interchangeably.

[0040] Typically, the combinations / compositions of the present disclosure are applied to the targeted weed or to their locus or to the crop / plant. The term “locus” as used herein shall denote the vicinity of a desired crop in which weed control, typically selective weed control is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein the weed infestation has either emerged or is yet to emerge. The term crop shall include a multitude of desired crop plants or an individual crop plant growing at a locus. The said locus could be a weed, an area adjacent to the weed, soil adapted to support growth of the weed, a root of the weed and / or foliage of the weed. As used herein, the term “phytotoxicity” refers to any adverse effect or reaction on plant growth, physiology, or metabolism caused by any chemical substance, fertilizer, herbicide, heavy metal, etc.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling herbicide-resistant and / or herbicide-tolerant weeds.

[0042] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising a long-chain fatty acid synthesis inhibitor and a phytoene desaturase inhibitor.

[0043] In another embodiment, the long chain fatty acid synthesis inhibitor comprises a- chloroacetamides, a-thioacetamides, a-oxyacetamides, oxiranes, isoxazolines, azolyl-carboxamides, benzofuranes, thiocarbamates, or combinations thereof.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the long chain fatty acid synthesis inhibitor comprises isoxazolines.

[0045] In another embodiment, the phytoene desaturase inhibitor comprises phenyl-ethers, n-phenyl heterocycles, diphenyl heterocycles, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the phytoene desaturase inhibitor comprises phenylethers, preferably comprises a phenyl ether.

[0047] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds.

[0048] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds.

[0049] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide; wherein the weeds comprise Raphanus genus weeds.

[0050] As used throughout the disclosure, the isoxazoline herbicide or other active ingredients for example the phenyl ether herbicide, include their salts, esters, ethers, polymorphs including solvates and hydrates. A salt includes salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the active ingredient, and which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, and include derivatives of the disclosed compounds in which the parent compound is modified by making inorganic and organic, non-toxic, acid or base addition salts thereof. The salts can be synthesized from the parent compound by conventional chemical methods.

[0051] In an embodiment, the isoxazoline herbicide is selected from pyroxasulfone, fenoxasulfone, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the isoxazoline herbicide is pyroxasulfone.

[0052] In an embodiment, the phenyl ether herbicide is selected from diflufenican, beflubutamid, beflubutamid-M, flufenican, picolinafen, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the phenyl ether herbicide is diflufenican. In a preferred embodiment, the phenyl ether herbicide is flufenican. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds.

[0053] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds.

[0054] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican; wherein the weeds comprise Raphanus genus weeds.

[0055] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and flufenican; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds.

[0056] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of an effective amount of the herbicidal combination to a plant, or a plant propagation material, or a locus thereof.

[0057] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, wherein the weeds are treated by applying jointly, or separately, or sequentially, or simultaneously a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0058] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, a phenyl ether herbicide and at least one additional agrochemical thereof. In an embodiment, the additional agrochemical comprises at least one pesticide selected from the group comprising acaricides, algicides, avicides / bird repellents, bactericides, fungicides, herbicide safeners, herbicides, insect attractants, insect chemosterilants, insect repellents, insecticides, mammal repellents, molluscicides, nematicides, nitrification inhibitors, plant activators, plant growth regulators, rodenticides, synergists, virucides, or combinations thereof.

[0059] In an embodiment, the additional agrochemical is a herbicide.

[0060] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, a phenyl ether herbicide and at least one additional herbicide thereof.

[0061] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone, diflufenican and at least one additional herbicide thereof; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds.

[0062] In an embodiment, the additional herbicide is selected from the group comprising aliphatic acid herbicides, amide herbicides, aromatic acid herbicides, benzofuran herbicides, benzonitrile herbicides, benzophenone herbicides, benzothiadiazinone herbicides, benzyl ether herbicides, botanical herbicides, carbamate herbicides, cyclohexanedione oxime herbicides, dinitroaniline herbicides, dinitrophenol herbicides, diphenyl ether herbicides, diphenyl heterocycle herbicides, dithiocarbamate herbicides, fumigant herbicides, halogenated alkanoic acid herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, inorganic herbicides, isoxazole herbicides, isoxazolidinone herbicides, isoxazoline herbicides, N-phenyl heterocycle herbicides, N-phenylimide herbicides, N-phenyloxadiazolone herbicides, N- phenyltriazolinone herbicides, organochlorine herbicides, organophosphorous herbicides, oxirane herbicides, oxyacetamide herbicides, phenol herbicides, phenoxy herbicides, phenylcarboxylic acid herbicides, phenyl ether herbicides, phenylthiourea herbicides, pyrazole herbicides, pyridazine herbicides, pyridazinone herbicides, pyridine herbicides, pyrimidinediamine herbicides, pyrimidinyloxybenzylamine herbicides, quaternary ammonium herbicides, quinone herbicides, alpha-thio acetamide herbicides, thiocarbamate herbicides, thiocarbonate herbicides, triazine herbicides, triazinone herbicides, triazole herbicides, triazolone herbicides, triazolopyrimidine herbicides, triketone herbicides, uracil herbicides, urea herbicides, unclassified herbicide, or combinations thereof.

[0063] In an embodiment, the additional herbicide is further selected from the group comprising phosphinic acid herbicides, sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone herbicides, anilide herbicides, acetamide herbicides, aryloxyphenoxypropionic herbicides, benzoylpyrazole herbicides, chloroacetamide herbicides, glycine derivative herbicides, aryloxyphenoxypropionic herbicides, phenyl ether herbicides, N-phenylimide herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, N- phenyltriazolinone herbicides, alkylazine herbicides, phenoxyacetic herbicides, pyridyloxycarboxylic acid herbicides, benzoic acid herbicides, triketone herbicides, chlorotriazine herbicides, quaternary ammonium herbicides, phenylurea herbicides, phenylpyrazoline herbicides, or combinations thereof.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is applied at a rate from about 10 to about 300 g a.i. / ha, more preferably from about 50 to about 250 g a.i. / ha, and most preferably about 70 to about 200 g a.i. / ha. In a preferred embodiment, the isoxazoline herbicide is applied at an application rate from about 10 g a.i. / ha to about 300 g a.i. / ha.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i. / ha.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican, wherein pyroxasulfone is applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i. / ha.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide, wherein the phenyl ether herbicide is applied at a rate from about 10 to about 300 g a.i. / ha, more preferably from about 50 to about 250 g a.i. / ha, and most preferably from about 70 to about 200 g a.i. / ha. In a preferred embodiment, the phenyl ether herbicide is applied at an application rate from about 10 g a.i. / ha to about 300 g a.i. / ha.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide, wherein the phenyl ether herbicide is applied at a rate of about 125 g a.i. / ha.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican, wherein diflufenican is applied at a rate of about 125 g a.i. / ha.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide and the phenyl ether herbicide are present in a weight ratio from about 1:60 to about 60: 1, preferably from about 1:50 to about 50: 1, preferably from about 1:40 to about 40: 1, preferably from about 1:30 to about 30: 1, preferably from about 1:20 to about 20: 1, preferably from about 1: 10 to about 10: 1, preferably from about 1:5 to about 5: 1, and more preferably from about 1:2 to about 2: 1.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the isoxazoline herbicide to the phenyl ether herbicide is in a range from about 1:20 to about 20: 1. In another embodiment, the isoxazoline herbicide and the phenyl ether herbicide are present in a weight ratio from about 1: 1.3 to about 1.3: 1. In a preferred embodiment, the isoxazoline herbicide and the phenyl ether herbicide are present in a weight ratio of about 1: 1.25.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican, wherein pyroxasulfone and diflufenican are present in a weight ratio of about 1: 1.25.

[0073] Unless otherwise indicated, the ratios disclosed throughout the specification are weight ratios.

[0074] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, a phenyl ether herbicide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient thereof; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds.

[0075] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, the combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0076] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, the composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, a phenyl ether herbicide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. In an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipients / carriers / additives comprise at least one co-solvent(s), surfactant(s), water, colorant(s), dispersant(s), emulsifier(s), thickener(s), antifreeze agent(s), biocide(s), anti-foam agent(s), stabilizer(s), wetting agent(s), or combinations thereof.

[0077] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, diflufenican, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient thereof; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide is present either in a form of a tank mix or a pre-formulated (pre-mix) composition.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican is present either in a form of a tank mix or a preformulated (pre-mix) composition.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the weed of the Lolium genus is selected from Lolium rigidum, Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium temulentum, Lolium loliaceum, Lolium remotum, or combinations thereof.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the weed of the Raphanus genus is selected from Raphanus raphanistrum, Raphanus sativus, or combinations thereof.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the weed preferably comprises Lolium rigidum and Raphanus raphanistrum.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the weed preferably comprises Lolium rigidum. In a preferred embodiment, the weed preferably comprises Raphanus raphanistrum. In another embodiment, the weed may be selected from the group comprising Echinochloa crusgalli, Setaria viridis, Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria geniculata, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria horizontalis, Digitaria insularis, Eleusine indica, Poa annua, Alospecurus aequalis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum vulgare, Agropyron repens, Bromus secalinus, Bromus tectorum, Hordeum jubatum, Aegilops cylindrica, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris minor, Apera spicaventi, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Panicum texanum, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria platyphylla, Brachiaria ruz.iziensis. Brachiaria plantaginea, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria humidicola, Cenchrus echinatus, Cenchrus pauciflorus, Eriochloa villosa, Pennisetum setosum, Chloris gayana, Eragrostis pilosa, Rhynchelitrum repens, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Ischaemum rugosum, Oryza sativa, Paspalum notatum, Paspalum maritimum, Pennisetum clandestinum, Pennisetum setosum or Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Avena sp., Avena sativa, Avena strigosa, Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, Bidens subalternans, Brachiaria brizantha (currently known as Urochloa brizantha), Brachiaria decumbens (currently known as Urochloa decumbens), Brachiaria extensa (currently known as Urochloa platyphylla), Brachiaria plantaginea (currently known as Urochloa plantaginea), Cenchrus echinatus, Chloris gayana, Chloris sp., Conyza sp., Commelina benghalensis, Commelina elegans, Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria insularis, Digitaria horizontalis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria Nuda, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa sp., Eleusine ssp., Eragrostis ciliaris, Eragrostis Pilosa, Eeptochloa filiformis, Melinis minutiflora, Melinis repens, Murdannia nudiflora, Panicum fasciculatum, Panicum purpurascens, Panicum maximum, Paspalum dilatatum, Paspalum virgatum, Pennisetum purpureum, Pennisetum setosum, Poa annua, Raddia stolonifera, Rhynchelytrum repens, Rottboellia exaltata, Spermacoce verticillata, Spermacoce latifolia, Spermacoce spinosa, Setaria spp., Sorghum halepense, Sorghum sudanense, Sporobolus indicus, Tridax procumbens, and unwanted plants growing in a particular crop field such as volunteer Glycine max, volunteer Zea mays, volunteer cotton, volunteer wheat, other volunteer crops, or combinations thereof.

[0084] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling Lolium rigidum, wherein the method comprises applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican.

[0085] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling Raphanus raphanistrum, wherein the method comprises applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican.

[0086] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal combination comprising an isooxazoline herbicide and a phenyl ether herbicide, wherein the is applied jointly, or separately, or sequentially, or simultaneously to a plant or locus thereof to control from about 60% to about 85% of the weeds.

[0087] In an embodiment, the present invention provides the use of pyroxasulfone applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i. / ha, in combination with diflufenican applied in a range of about 125 g a.i. / ha, wherein the combination controls from about 60% to about 85% of the weeds.

[0088] In an embodiment, the present invention provides the use of pyroxasulfone applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i. / ha, in combination with diflufenican applied at a rate of about 125 g a.i. / ha for controlling Lolium rigidum, wherein the combination controls about 62.5% of the weed at or within 60 days after application (DAA).

[0089] In an embodiment, the present invention provides the use of pyroxasulfone applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i. / ha, in combination with diflufenican applied at a rate of about 125 g a.i. / ha for controlling Raphanus raphanistrum, wherein the combination controls about 83.8% of the weed at or within 60 days after application (DAA). According to an embodiment, the weeds, which are resistant to herbicides such as pyroxasulfone alone can be effectively controlled by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican.

[0090] In an embodiment, the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican are applied to a plant, or a plant propagation material, or a locus thereof, in an effective amount. The selection of the effective amount depends on the density of weed infestation, weather patterns, crop health, etc.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds in crops comprising rice, wheat, barley, rye, oat, sorghum, cotton, soybean, peanut, buckwheat, beet, rapeseed, sunflower, durum wheat, fall wheat, field corn, winter barley, cotton, fall barley, fallow, spring wheat, triticale, winter wheat, sugar cane, tobacco, etc.; vegetables; solanaceous vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, pimento, popper, potato, etc., cucurbit vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, water melon, melon, squash, etc., cruciferous vegetables such as radish, white turnip, horseradish, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, leaf mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., asteraceous vegetables such as burdock, crown daisy, artichoke, lettuce, etc., liliaceous vegetables such as green onion, onion, garlic, and asparagus, ammiaceous vegetables such as carrot, parsley, celery, parsnip, etc., chenopodiaceous vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, etc., lamiaceous vegetables such as Perilla frutescens, mint, basil, etc. strawberry, sweet potato, Dioscorea japonica, colocasia, etc., flowers, foliage plants, turf grasses, fruits: pome fruits such apple, pear, quince, etc. stone fleshy fruits such as peach, plum, nectarine, Prunus mume, cherry fruit, apricot, prune, etc., citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, rime, grapefruit, etc., nuts such as chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almond, pistachio, cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, etc. berries such as blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, etc., grape, kaki fruit, olive, plum, banana, coffee, date palm, coconuts, etc., trees otter than fruit trees; tea, mulberry, flowering plant, trees such as ash, birch, dogwood, Eucalyptus, Ginkgo biloba, lilac, maple, Quercus, poplar, Judas tree, liquidambar formosana, plane tree, zelkova. Japanese arborvitae, fir wood, hemlock, juniper, Pinus, Picea, and Taxus cuspidate, or combinations thereof.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds in crops comprising row crops comprising sunflower, potato, canola, dry bean, field pea, flax, safflower, buckwheat, cotton, maize, soybeans, sugarbeets, or combinations thereof.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds in crops comprising wheat, lentils, chickpea, or combinations thereof.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican is usually applied to the unwanted plants / weeds by spraying on the leaves. Here, the application can be carried out using, for example, water as carrier by customary spraying techniques. In an embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican may be done before, during and / or after, preferably before and / or after, the sowing of the crops. In an embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican may be done on fallow field.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican may be done to control the growth of weeds at the pre-emergence stage or the post-emergence stage. In a preferred embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican may be done to control the growth of weeds close to the sowing stage of the crop.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican may be applied pre-or post-emergence of weeds, or together with the plant, or plant propagation material, or locus of a plant thereof. It is also possible to apply the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican to a plant, or a plant propagation material, or a locus thereof or pre-treating a crop plant with the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, the combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide; and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination for controlling Lolium genus weeds, the combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide; and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination for controlling Raphanus genus weeds, the combination comprising an isoxazoline herbicide; and a phenyl ether herbicide.

[0100] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican, for controlling herbicide-resistant and / or herbicide-tolerant weeds.

[0101] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican, for improving yield of the desired crop.

[0102] In another embodiment, the herbicidal combination of the present disclosure may be applied in combination with agrochemically active components such as fertilizers, macronutrients, micronutrients, biologicals, bio stimulants, plant extracts, synergists, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the macronutrients or a micronutrient is selected from the group comprising nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, boron, manganese, chlorine, molybdenum, nickel, or combinations thereof.

[0103] In another embodiment, the additional herbicide / agrochemical may be admixed with an adjuvant or a bio-stimulant or an agrochemical or a fertilizer compound such that said components may be tank mixed before spraying.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican is applied from a pre-dosage device, a knapsack sprayer, a spray tank, a spray plane, or an irrigation system, or a drone, or an spot spray system. Typically, the herbicidal combination is made up with water, buffer, and / or further auxiliaries to the desired application concentration and the ready-to- use spray liquor or the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican is thus obtained.

[0105] In another embodiment, the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican may be used for foliar application, application to a ground, or to the soil, or to a plant, or a locus or a plant propagation material, or combinations thereof.

[0106] In another embodiment, the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican can be used in agricultural lands such as fields, paddy fields, lawns and orchards or in non-agricultural lands, fallow fields, or for the purpose of chemical fallow application.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a herbicidal combination / compo sition comprising pyroxasulfone, diflufenican and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient thereof; wherein the process comprises mixing pyroxasulfone, diflufenican and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient homogenously to form the herbicidal combination / composition. In another embodiment, the process comprises optionally adding at least one additional agrochemical / herbicide.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the various components of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican may be used individually or already partially or completely mixed with one or more to prepare the herbicidal combination. It is also possible for the components to be separately packaged and used as a component in a kit of parts.

[0109] In one embodiment, the kits may include one or more of the components that are used to prepare the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican. For examples, the kits may include active ingredients and / or at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. One or more of the components may already be combined together or pre-formulated.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican is provided. The kit comprises a plurality of components, including at least one of the ingredients of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the kit includes at least one, or all of components needed to prepare the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican. For example, the kit may include pyroxasulfone, diflufenican and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The kit may optionally include at least one additional agrochemical or at least one additional herbicide.

[0112] One or more of the components may already be combined together or preformulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag and / or canister. In other embodiments, two or more components of a kit may be packaged separate from one another, i.e., they are not pre-formulated. As such, a kit may include one or more separate containers such as vials, cans, bottles, pouches, bags and / or canisters, each container containing a separate component of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican.

[0113] In both forms, an individual component of the kit may be applied separate from or together with the other components of the kit or as a component of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican.

[0114] The disclosure also provides a kit comprising the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican for controlling weed growth or for improving yield of desired crop and instructions for use. The instructions for use typically comprise instructions for the application of the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican to a plant, or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:

[0116] (a) pyroxasulfone; and

[0117] (b) diflufenican; and optionally further comprises:

[0118] (c) instructions for use.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:

[0120] (a) pyroxasulfone;

[0121] (b) diflufenican; and

[0122] (c) optionally at least one additional herbicide; and optionally further comprises:

[0123] (d) instructions for use. In an embodiment, the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican may provide control for weeds at pre-emergent and / or at post-emergent stage. In another embodiment, the herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican is effective in improving yield of desired crop by controlling weeds. The herbicidal combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican also provides increase in crop yield and crop quality.

[0124] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the disclosure are achieved, and other advantageous results attained. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in full, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0125] The present disclosure is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustration only, since numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the specification and examples are illustrative but not limitative of the present disclosure and that other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments can be practiced that are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The following examples illustrate the disclosure, but by no means intend to limit the scope of the claims.

[0126] EXAMPLES:

[0127] Efficacy Evaluation: The expected efficacy of the combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican was calculated using the well-established Colby method. Any difference between the observed and expected efficacy could be attributed to synergy exhibited by the combination. Colby’s Formula: In the Colby method, the expected (or predicted) response of a combination of herbicides is calculated by taking the product of the observed response for each individual component of the combination when applied alone, divided by 100, and subtracting this value from the sum of the observed response for each component when applied alone. An unexpected enhancement in efficacy of the combination is then determined by comparing the observed response of the combination to the expected (or predicted) response as calculated from the observed response of each individual component alone. If the observed response of the combination is greater than the expected (or predicted) response, or stated conversely, if the difference between the observed and expected response is greater than zero, then the combination is said to be synergistic or unexpectedly effective (Colby, S. R., Weeds, 1967(15), p. 20-22). The Colby method requires only a single dose of each herbicide applied alone and the mixture of both doses. The formula used to calculate the expected efficacy (EE) which was compared with the observed efficacy (OE) to determine the efficacy of the present disclosure is explained herein:

[0128] The expected efficacy for a combination of two active ingredients is as follows: EE = (A + B - (A x B) / 100)

[0129] The expected efficacy for a combination of three active ingredients is as follows: EE = A + B + C - (AB + AC + BQ / 100 + ABC / 10,000 wherein,

[0130] A = Observed efficacy of active ingredient A at the same concentration as used in the mixture.

[0131] B = Observed efficacy of the active ingredient B at the same concentration as used in the mixture.

[0132] C = Observed efficacy of the active ingredient C at the same concentration as used in the mixture.

[0133] Example 1: Efficacy of pyroxasulfone and diflufenican for control of Lolium rigidum weed in lentils The effect of application of pyroxasulfone alone, diflufenican alone, and combination of pyroxasulfone and diflufenican was observed on the growth of Lolium rigidum weed at 60 DAA (days after application) in lentils. The combination of pyroxasulfone and diflufenican was formulated in a rate of about 500 ml / ha. The percentage (%) control of weeds was evaluated to assess the efficacy of the herbicidal combination and the same has been disclosed in Table 1.

[0134] Table 1: Efficacy observed for Lolium rigidum

[0135] Therefore, the combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican shows significant synergistic control of weed Lolium rigidum in lentils.

[0136] Example 2: Efficacy of pyroxasulfone and diflufenican for control of Raphanus raphanistrum weed in wheat

[0137] The effect of application of pyroxasulfone alone, diflufenican alone, and combination of pyroxasulfone and diflufenican was observed on the growth of Raphanus raphanistrum weed at 60 DAA (days after application) in wheat. The combination of pyroxasulfone and diflufenican was formulated in a rate of about 500 ml / ha. The percentage (%) control of weeds was evaluated to assess the efficacy of the herbicidal combination and the same has been disclosed in Table 2.

[0138] Table 2: Percentage control of Raphanus raphanistrum

[0139]

[0140] Therefore, the combination comprising pyroxasulfone and diflufenican shows significant synergistic control of weed Raphanus raphanistrum in wheat. The results represented in above Examples in tables 1 and 2 clearly demonstrate synergy between pyroxasulfone and diflufenican. The difference between the observed efficacy and the expected efficacy clearly demonstrates the synergistic effect of the present herbicidal combination.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination comprising:(a) an isoxazoline herbicide; and(b) a phenyl ether herbicide; wherein the weeds comprise Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is selected from pyroxasulfone, fenoxasulfone, or combinations thereof.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the phenyl ether herbicide is selected from diflufenican, beflubutamid, beflubutamid-M, flufenican, picolinafen, or combinations thereof.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of the isoxazoline herbicide to the phenyl ether herbicide is in a range from about 1:20 to about 20: 1.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is applied at an application rate from about 10 g a.i. / ha to about 300 g a.i. / ha.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phenyl ether herbicide is applied at an application rate from about 10 g a.i. / ha to about 300 g a.i. / ha.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weed of the Lolium genus is selected from Lolium rigidum, Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium temulentum, Lolium loliaceum, Lolium remotum, or combinations thereof.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weed of the Raphanus genus is selected from Raphanus raphanistrum, Raphanus sativus, or combinations thereof.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weed preferably comprises Lolium rigidum and Raphanus raphanistrum.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combination is applied jointly, or separately, or sequentially, or simultaneously to a plant or locus thereof to control from about 60% to about 85% of the weeds.

11. Use of a herbicidal combination for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, the combination comprising:(a) an isoxazoline herbicide; and(b) a phenyl ether herbicide.

12. A herbicidal combination for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, the combination comprising:(a) an isoxazoline herbicide; and(b) a phenyl ether herbicide.

13. A herbicidal composition for controlling Lolium genus weeds and Raphanus genus weeds, the composition comprising:(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;(b) a phenyl ether herbicide; and(c) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

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