Synergistic herbicidal mixtures of pyrasulfotole

Abstract

The present invention provides a herbicidal mixture. More particularly, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture or a composition for controlling unwanted vegetation comprising an effective amount of pyrasulfotole; a herbicide selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener.

Description

[0001] HERBICIDAL MIXTURES OF PYRASULFOTOLE

[0002] Field of the Invention:

[0003] The present invention relates to a herbicidal mixture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a herbicidal mixture or a composition for controlling unwanted vegetation comprising an effective amount of pyrasulfotole; a herbicide selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener.

[0004] Background of the Invention:

[0005] The management of undesirable vegetation is crucial for maximising crop productivity. It is highly desirable to achieve selective weed growth management, particularly in crops as valuable as rice, soybean, sugar beetroot, maize, potato, wheat, barley, tomato, and plantation crops, among others. Unchecked weed development in such beneficial crops can significantly lower productivity and, as a result, increase consumer expenses. Although there are many products on the market for these uses, there is still a need for new mixtures, formulations, and applications that are more efficient, less expensive, less hazardous, ecologically friendly, or have different sites of action.

[0006] Herbicide efficiency is greatly influenced by the kinds of one or more herbicides employed, their application rates, composition, the undesired, dangerous plants that must be managed in each situation, climatic and soil conditions, etc. Other factors include persistency or the rate of pesticide breakdown. It may also be required to take into account how an active ingredient alters how harmful plants react to it over time or in a specific location. Higher herbicide application rates can only partially make up for such modifications, which show an apparent decrease in activity.

[0007] There is not really a single active ingredient that can meet all the needs of the numerous potential influencing factors, particularly when it comes to harmful plant species and climate zones. Additionally, it is always the intention to employ the least amount of herbicide treatment necessary to achieve the desired outcome. In general, a lower application rate minimises the need for formulation auxiliaries while also lowering the weight of active ingredients required to achieve the desired result. These components help the herbicide treatment be more affordable while also improving its environmental sustainability. Combinations of herbicides are typically used to broaden the spectrum of plant control or enhance the level of control of any given species through additive effects. Certain rare combinations surprisingly give a greater-than-additive effect. Such valuable mixtures, compositions, and methods have now been discovered.

[0008] The invention relates to the technical field of crop protection mixtures or their compositions, which can be used against unwanted vegetation and which comprise, as an active compound, a herbicidal compound, and optionally, a herbicide safener. More specifically, it relates to herbicidal mixtures or their compositions, which comprise pyrasulfotole as an active compound in combination with a herbicide compound and, optionally, a herbicide safener.

[0009] Pyrasulfotole is commonly known as a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitor. It is described in WO2001 / 074785 patent application by Bayer Cropscience. It is a selective carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitor used for post-emergent control of various broad-leaved weeds. Chemically, pyrasulfotole is 5-hydroxy-l,3-dimethyl-U / -pyrazol-4-yl 2- (methylsulfonyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl ketone and has the following structure:

[0010] It is known from WO 2003 / 043422 that certain herbicides work better together in herbicidal formulations containing pyrasulfotole. It is known from WO 2003 / 043423 that herbicidal composition, including pyrasulfotole and certain safeners, exhibit crop-plant-friendly characteristics. According to WO 2006 / 103002, herbicidal compositions containing pyrasulfotole, specific herbicides, and specific safeners exhibit qualities that are synergistic with crops and plants.

[0011] However, the herbicidal compositions reported in these papers do not always match the requirements put on current herbicides in practice, specifically in the control of invasive plants in the cultivation of cereals. The range of undesirable plants that can be controlled is thus not always sufficient, or the safer action in the herbicidal composition is not sufficient, depending on the site. It is the object of the present invention to provide mixtures and compositions of judiciously selected herbicidal compounds and, optionally, a herbicide safener in combination with pyrasulfotole, which have improved activity against harmful weeds. It is an object of the present invention to provide mixtures and compositions useful for controlling unwanted vegetation with an effective amount of pyrasulfotole; a herbicide selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham, and aclonifen, and optionally, a herbicide safener.

[0012] Summary of the Invention:

[0013] It is the objective of the present invention to develop mixtures comprising pyrasulfotole; a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham, and aclonifen for controlling unwanted vegetation, and optionally, a herbicide safener.

[0014] These advancements take the shape of a synergistic efficacy among active compounds, whether they are used concurrently, individually, or successively. Consequently, weeds can be managed more successfully than with use of the individual chemicals alone. At least one of the problems with the previous art can also be solved by improvements, such as decreasing the dosage rate, broadening the spectrum of activity, combining knock-down activity with long-lasting control, or making the management of resistance easier.

[0015] Considering the foregoing, one of the purposes of the present invention is to offer combinations of active substances that enhance weed control.

[0016] The herbicidal mixtures may comprise a herbicide safener selected from the group comprising benoxacor, cloquintocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, jiecaowan, jiecaoxi, metcamifen, mefenpyr, mephenate, naphthalic anhydride, 2,2,5-trimethyl-3-(dichloroacetyl)- 1,3-oxazolidine (R-29148), 4-(Dichloroacetyl)-l-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane (AD-67), 2- di chi oromethyl-2-m ethyl- 1,3 -di oxolane (MG-191), oxabetrinil or esters thereof.

[0017] Preferably, herbicide safener is selected from the group comprising mefenpyr-diethyl, cloquintocet-mexyl and cyprosulfamide. In an aspect, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprises of pyrasulfotole; a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; a herbicidal compound selected from the group comprising linuron, flurochloridone, carfentrazone-ethyl, bifenox, aminopyralid, clopyralid, halauxifen-methyl, bentazone, chlorotoluron, chlorpropham or aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0019] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0020] In another aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0022] In an aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0023] Furthermore, the simultaneous (jointly or separately) application of pyrasulfotole and a herbicidal compound or their successive application allows enhanced synergistic effect.

[0024] The present invention provides a combination, wherein the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen is from about 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

[0025] The present invention provides a combination, wherein the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and a herbicide safener in a weight ratio of x:y:z, where x, y and z are independently 1 to 100, and the amount of each active ingredient is about 0.1-99 wt. %, about 0.1-95 wt. %, or about 0.1-90 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mixture composition.

[0026] The present invention provides a mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound, and optionally a herbicide safener, as mentioned above, wherein the application rates of the herbicidal mixture according to the invention are from about 1 g / ha to 10000 g / ha, preferably from 1 g / ha to 1000 g / ha. The present invention further provides a formulation comprising a herbicidal mixture of pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and optionally a herbicide safener, as mentioned above, and further comprising an agriculturally acceptable carrier, for example, at least one selected from the group comprising surfactant, solid diluent, liquid diluent, binder, disintegrating agent, pH adjuster, thickening agent, preservative, anti-freezing agent, anti-foaming agent, coloring agent, or a combination thereof and combinations thereof.

[0027] The present invention provides the use of the mixture or of the formulation comprising pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and optionally a herbicide safener, as mentioned above for controlling weeds, wherein the weeds are selected from the group comprising Alopecurus spp., Apera spp., Avena spp., Brachiaria spp., Bromus spp., Chlor is spp., Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria spp., Echinochloa spp., Eleusine indica, Leptochloa spp., Lolium spp., Hordeum glaucum, Panicum spp., Pennisetum spp., Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa., Poa spp., Setaria spp., Urochloa spp., Vulpia spp., Ageratum spp., Amaranthus spp., Arctotheca calendula, Bifora testiculata, Boerhavia dominii, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastor is, Chenopodium spp., Conyza spp., Cotula australis, Crassula spp., Datura stromonium, Echium plantagineum, Emex australis, Er odium spp., Fallopia convolvulus, Fumaria spp., Galium spp., Heliotropium spp., Ipomoea spp., Juncus bufonius, Lactuca serriola, Lamium spp., Malva spp., Medicago spp., Papaver spp., Polygonum spp., Portulaca oleracea, Raphanus raphanistrum, Rapistrum spp., Sidaspp., Sinapsis arvensis, Sisymbrium spp., Solanum nigrum, Sonchus oleraceus, Stellaria media, Tetragonia tetragoniodides, Trianthema portulacastrum, Tribulus spp., Trifolium subterraneum, Urtica urens, Vicia sativa, Veronica spp. and Xanthium spp.

[0028] The present invention provides the use of a mixture or formulation comprising pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound, and optionally a herbicide safener, as mentioned above, for controlling weeds, wherein the weeds are selected from the group comprising Raphanus raphanistrum, Galium spp., Vicia sativa, o Bifora testiculata.

[0029] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0030] Definitions:

[0031] It may be beneficial to provide definitions for some terms used herein before describing the present invention in depth. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific words used herein have the same meaning as ordinarily understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant field.

[0032] In describing the embodiments of the invention, specific terminology is resorted for clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0033] It will be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the reference to “a surfactant” includes one or more such surfactants.

[0034] It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-ex elusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated. For example, a composition or a method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a composition or a method.

[0035] Throughout the application, descriptions of various embodiments use the term “comprising”; however, it will be understood by one of the skilled in the art that, in some specific instances, an embodiment can alternatively be described using the language “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of.”

[0036] As used herein, the term “composition” or “formulation” can be used interchangeably, unless stated otherwise, and is meant to encompass, and is not limited to, a composition or formulation containing a mixture of pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound, optionally a herbicide safener, and an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

[0037] As used herein, the term “safener” or “herbicide safener” refers to an organic compound that, in some cases, leads to better crop plant compatibility when applied jointly with specifically acting herbicides. Some safeners are herbicidally active. In these cases, the safeners act as an antidote or antagonist to the crop plants and thus reduce or even prevent damage to the crop plants.

[0038] As used herein, the term “agriculturally acceptable carrier” refers to substances that are commonly used to provide stability or to increase the activity profile of the composition or formulation with or without agrochemical activity or a direct effect on the undesired weeds. These substances, which themselves are not active ingredients, are added to the formulation to improve its properties, such as stability, flowability, density, etc. Examples of such carriers are surfactant, solid diluent, liquid diluent, thickening agent, pH adjuster (e.g. acids or bases), anti- foaming agent, binder, disintegrating agent, preservative, anti -freezing agent, coloring agent, stabilizer, or a combination thereof.

[0039] As used herein, the term “surfactant” means an agriculturally acceptable material that imparts emulsifiability, stability, spreading, wetting, dispersibility or other surface-modifying properties. Examples of suitable surfactants include non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, polymeric surfactant or a combination thereof. It is preferred to use one or more than one kind of surfactant. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid.

[0040] As used herein, the term “stabilizer” refers to a substance capable of imparting resistance against physical or chemical deterioration or deformulation.

[0041] As used herein, the term “anti-foaming agent” refers to a chemical additive that reduces and hinders the formation of foam in the industrial process of liquids, semi-solids, or solids. The terms anti-foaming agent, defoamer, or defoaming agent can be used interchangeably.

[0042] As used herein, the term “thickening agent” refers to a polymeric material, that at a low concentration, increases the viscosity of an aqueous solution and helps to stabilize the composition.

[0043] As used herein, the term “effective” when used to describe a method for controlling, means that the method provides a good level of control of the undesired weeds without significantly interfering with the normal growth and development of the crop.

[0044] As used herein, the term “effective amount” refers to an amount of the compound that, when applied, is sufficient to achieve a good level of control.

[0045] As used herein, the term “active ingredient” includes, but is not limited to, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

[0046] As used herein, the term “herbicide” or “herbicidal compound” refers to an active ingredient capable of controlling unwanted plants or weeds, for example when growing in the locus of the desired crop. As used herein, the terms “control” or “controlling” are meant to include, but are not limited to, any killing, growth regulating, inhibiting or interfering with the normal life cycle of a weed.

[0047] As used herein, the term “adjuvant” is broadly defined as any substance that itself is not an active ingredient, but which enhances or is intended to enhance the effectiveness of the agrochemical active compounds with which it is used. Adjuvants may be understood to include, but are not limited to, spreading agents, penetrants, compatibility agents, and drift retardants. They are typically used to dilute ready mix formulations prior to application in the field, although some formulations include built-in adjuvants.

[0048] As used herein, the term “ready mix” means a formulation that may be applied to plants directly after dilution. The formulation comprises one or more active ingredients. The term “mixture” refers to, but is not limited to, a combination in any physical form, e.g., blend, solution, alloy, or the like.

[0049] As used herein, the term “tank mix” refers to the mixture of two or more active ingredients or formulations that are mixed shortly before application. Tank mixtures can therefore be formed by mixing one or more formulations (each comprising one or more active ingredients) with water. Alternatively, as mentioned above, tank mixtures may comprise a mixture of one or more formulations (each comprising one or more active ingredients) with one or more adjuvants.

[0050] As used herein, the term “plant” or “crop” includes reference to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits, etc.), plant cells, or plant seeds. This term also encompasses planted crops such as fruits. The term “plant” may also 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. It may also include spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolons, buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil.

[0051] As used herein, the term “locus” includes a habitat, breeding ground, plant, propagation material, soil, area, material or environment in which a pest is growing or may grow.

[0052] As used herein, the term “cultivated plants” includes plants that have been modified by breeding, mutagenesis or genetic engineering. Genetically modified plants are plants, whose genetic material has been modified by the use of recombinant DNA techniques. Typically, one or more genes have been integrated into the genetic material of such a plant in order to improve certain properties of the plant.

[0053] As used herein, the term “g” refers to gram, and “L” or “1” refers to litre.

[0054] As used herein, the term “a.i ” refers to active ingredient.

[0055] As used herein, the term “ha” refers to hectare.

[0056] As used herein, the term “more effective” includes, but is not limited to, increasing the efficacy of the herbicidal control, prolonging protection, reducing the amount of time needed to achieve a given level of herbicidal control, prolonging the duration of protection against weed attack after application, extending the protection period against weed attack, and / or reducing the amount of time needed to achieve a level of weed control compared to when each pesticide at the same amount is applied alone.

[0057] The term “enhancing crop plants” as used herein means improving one or more of plant quality, plant vigor, nutrient uptake, root system, tolerance to stress factors, and / or yield in a plant to which the mixture or formulation described herein has been applied as compared to a control plant grown under the same conditions without the mixture or formulation described herein.

[0058] The term “enhancing the root system” as used herein means that the root system is improved qualitatively or quantitatively in a plant to which the mixture or formulation described herein has been applied as compared to the root system in a control plant grown under the same conditions without the mixture or formulation described herein. Enhanced root systems include but are not limited to improved visual appearance and composition of the root system (i.e., improved color, density, and uniformity), increased root growth, a more developed root system, stronger and healthier roots, improved plant stand, and increased root system weight.

[0059] The term “improving plant quality” as used herein means that one or more traits are improved qualitatively or quantitatively in a plant to which the mixture or formulation described herein has been applied as compared to the same trait in a control plant grown under the same conditions without the mixture or formulation described herein. Such traits include but are not limited to improved visual appearance and composition of the plant (i.e., improved color, density, uniformity, compactness), reduced ethylene (reduced production and / or inhibition of reception), improved visual appearance and composition of harvested material (i.e., seeds, fruits, leaves, vegetables, shoot / stem / cane), improved carbohydrate content (i.e., increased quantities of sugar and / or starch, improved sugar acid ratio, reduction of reducing sugars, increased rate of development of sugar), improved protein content, improved oil content and composition, improved nutritional value, reduction in anti -nutritional compounds, increased nutrient uptake, stronger and healthier roots, improved organoleptic properties (i.e., improved taste), improved consumer health benefits (i.e., increased levels of vitamins and antioxidants), improved post-harvest characteristics (i.e., enhanced shelf-life and / or storage stability, easier processability, easier extraction of compounds), and / or improved seed quality (i.e., for use in following seasons).

[0060] For purposes of better understanding the present teachings and in no way limiting the scope of the teachings, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. In this regard, the use of the term “about” herein specifically includes ±10% of the indicated values in the range. In addition, the endpoints of all ranges directed to the same component or property herein are inclusive of the endpoints, are independently combinable, and include all intermediate points and ranges.

[0061] As used herein, the term, “% w / w” or “wt. %” refers to % of the weight of the respective component with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0062] It is further understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided by the subject matter. For example, “0.1% to 50%” includes 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3 %, 0.4 %, etc. up to 50 %.

[0063] When a ratio herein is to be “X: 1 or higher”, it is meant that the ratio is Y: 1, where Y is X or greater, and when a ratio is herein to be “X: 1 or lower”, it is meant that the ratio is Z: 1, where Z is X or less. The same logic follows for ratios that are “1 : X or higher” and “1 : X or lower”.

[0064] As used herein, the term “synergistic” refers to an interaction of two or more factors such that the effect when combined is greater than the predicted effect based on the response to each other when applied individually.

[0065] Herbicidal Mixtures:

[0066] It has been surprisingly found that by combining pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound, and, optionally, a herbicide safener mixtures, it exhibits a broad spectrum of control and high efficacy against a very wide range of weeds, as well as a knock-down and long residual effect under different climate conditions. The mixtures and compositions of the present invention are based in part on the finding that application of the mixture of the present invention to a locus or area where weed control is desired results in improved control thereof.

[0067] The combination described herein typically provides a higher herbicidal activity than the sum of the activities of each of the herbicides when applied at the same rate. Such a combination allows for reduced dosages of the individual herbicides which can damage agriculturally important plants.

[0068] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a mixture comprising pyrasulfotole; a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen, and optionally a herbicide safener.

[0069] Commonly available herbicide safeners which may be usefully employed, individually or in any combination found to be useful, with the inventive combinations may include but are in no way limited to benoxacor, cloquintocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, jiecaowan, jiecaoxi, metcamifen, mefenpyr, mephenate, naphthalic anhydride, 2,2,5-trimethyl-3- (dichloroacetyl)-l,3-oxazolidine (R-29148), 4-(Dichloroacetyl)-l-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane (AD-67), 2-dichloromethyl-2-methyl-l,3-dioxolane (MG-191), oxabetrinil or esters thereof as well as the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and, provided they have a carboxyl group, their agriculturally acceptable derivatives, in particular their esters like mefenpyr as mefenpyr- di ethyl, cloquintocet as cloquintocet-mexyl. Those skilled in the relevant field of art will immediately be aware of further safeners that may be employed without departing from the scope of the mixture of the invention disclosed herein. Combinations of safeners can be employed in the methods and mixtures disclosed herein.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicide safener is selected from the group comprising mefenpyr-diethyl, cloquintocet-mexyl and cyprosulfamide.

[0071] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising:

[0072] 1) Pyrasulfotole, and linuron;

[0073] 2) Pyrasulfotole, and clopyralid;

[0074] 3) Pyrasulfotole, and bentazone;

[0075] 4) Pyrasulfotole, and chlorpropham;

[0076] 5) Pyrasulfotole, and aclonifen. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0077] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0078] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0079] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0080] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0081] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising:

[0082] 1) Pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally cloquintocet-mexyl;

[0083] 2) Pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally cloquintocet-mexyl;

[0084] 3) Pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally cloquintocet-mexyl;

[0085] 4) Pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally cloquintocet-mexyl;

[0086] 5) Pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally cloquintocet-mexyl.

[0087] In yet embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising:

[0088] 1) Pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally cyprosulfamide;

[0089] 2) Pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally cyprosulfamide;

[0090] 3) Pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally cyprosulfamide;

[0091] 4) Pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally cyprosulfamide;

[0092] 5) Pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally cyprosulfamide.

[0093] The weight ratio between pyrasulfotole and a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen varies depending upon various conditions such as the type of formulation, weather conditions, the type of crop and the type of pest. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen are from about 1 : 100 to 100: 1, for example, from about 1 :50 to 50: 1. Typical proportions of chlorotoluron and at least one herbicidal compound is from about 1 :25 to 25: 1 or from about 1:10 to 10:1, for example, but not limited to, from about 1:0.5, 0.5:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 and so on. The weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen may be any in-between range selected from the above indicated ratios.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and linuron is from about 1 : 10 to 10:1, preferably about 1:7. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and clopyralid is from about 1:5 to 5:1, preferably about 1:2 to 2:1, more preferably about 1.5:1. In yet another embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and bentazone is from about 1 : 10 to 10:1, preferably about 1:3 to 1:7. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and chlorpropham is from about 1:10 to 10:1, preferably about 1:5 to 1:7. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and aclonifen is from about 1 : 10 to 10: 1, preferably about 1:8.

[0095] The present invention provides the weight ratio of the components (A) refers to pyrasulfotole; components (B) refers to a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; and component (C) refers to a herbicide safener, in a weight ratio of x:y:z, where x, y and z are independently 1 to 100.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole, linuron and mefenpyr-di ethyl is about 1-10: 1-5: 1-30, preferably about 4: 1: 29. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and mefenpyr-diethyl is about 1-5: 1-5: 1-5, preferably about 4: 1: 2.5. In a further embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole, bentazone and mefenpyr-diethyl is about 1-10: 1-5: 1-30, preferably about 4: 1: 13 or 4: 1: 26. In yet another embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and mefenpyr-diethyl is about 1-10: 1-5: 1-30, preferably about 4: 1: 27. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and mefenpyr-diethyl is about 1-10: 1-5: 1-32, preferably about 4: 1: 32.

[0097] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal mixture comprises of pyrasulfotole; a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; a herbicidal compound selected from the group comprising linuron, flurochloridone, carfentrazone-ethyl, bifenox, aminopyralid, clopyralid, halauxifen-methyl, bentazone, chlorotoluron, chlorpropham or aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener. The weight ratio between pyrasulfotole and at least two herbicidal compounds, as mentioned above, depends upon various conditions, such as the type of formulation, weather conditions, the type of crop and the type of pest. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and at least two herbicidal compounds, as mentioned above, is from about 1:100 to 100:1, for example, from about 1:50 to 50:1, wherein 1:50 refers to chlorotoluron as 1 and the other two herbicidal compounds combined as 50; similarly, 50:1 refers to chlorotoluron as 50 and the other two herbicidal compounds combined as 1. Typical proportions of chlorotoluron and at least two herbicidal compounds is from about 1:25 to 25:1 or from about 1:10 to 10:1, for example, but not limited to, from about 1:05, 0.5:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 25:1,24:1,23:1,22:1,21:1,20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1,9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 and so on. The weight ratio of pyrasulfotole and at least two herbicidal compounds, as mentioned above, may be any in-between range selected from the above indicated ratios.

[0098] For example, the weight ratio of pyrasulfotole, linuron and flurochloridone; pyrasulfotole, linuron and carfentrazone-ethyl; pyrasulfotole, linuron and bifenox; pyrasulfotole, linuron and aminopyralid; pyrasulfotole, linuron and clopyralid; pyrasulfotole, linuron and pyroxasulfone; and bentazone; pyrasulfotole, linuron and halauxifen-methyl; pyrasulfotole, linuron and chlorpropham; pyrasulfotole, linuron and aclonifen is from about 1-20: 1-20: 1-20, preferably about 1-10: 1-10: 1-10, more preferably about 1-5: 1-5: 1-5.

[0099] Application:

[0100] In an embodiment, the mixture of the present invention may be applied pre-sowing or postsowing, pre-emergence, or post-emergence of the crop. The mixture may be applied via furrow spray, foliar application, broadcast, basal application, soil application, soil incorporation or soil injection.

[0101] For example, the mixture can be applied in non-crop areas, which include, but are not limited to, commercial areas, residential areas, lawns, ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, parks, livestock areas, warehouses, food storage facilities, grain bins, turfgrass, pastures, grasslands, rangelands, fallow land, rights-of-way, golf courses, parks, along roadsides, power-lines, pipelines, railways, forests, well sites, and equipment yards. The mixture of the invention can be added to a broad range of crops, for example, including rice, com, sorghum, wheat, barley, oats, cereals, triticale, soybeans, beans (and their 10 varieties, such as dried beans), cotton, fruits (and their varieties such as peaches, apples, pineapples and tomatoes), potatoes, sweet potatoes, canola, flax, peas, lentils, mustard, chickpeas, sunflowers, alfalfa, onions, herbage, sugarcane, beetroot, saccharin, turmeric, cassava, cucurbits, vines, rubber, oilseed rape, oil palms, ornamental trees and bushes and others.

[0102] The weeds that can be treated with the mixture of the invention are, for example, but not limited to, Alopecurus spp. such as Alopecurus myosuroides, Alopecurus aequahs Apera spp. such as Apera spica-venli: Avena falua. Avena sterilis, Brachiaria spp. such as Brachiaria plantaginea, Brachiaria decumbens: Bromus spp. such as Bromus secahnus. Bromus sterilis, Bromus lector um; Cyonodon spp.; Digitaria spp. such as Digitaria ciliar is, Digitaria insular is, Digitaria ischaemum, Digitaria sanguinalis; Echinochloa spp. such as Echinochloa corona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa crus-pavonis, Echinochloa erecta, Echinochloa oryzoides, Echinochloa phyllogogon; Eleusine indica, Ischaemum rugosum, Leptochloa spp. such as Leptochloa chinensis, Leptochloa panicoides, Leptochloa scabra, Leptochloa virgata; Lolium spp. such as Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidum; Panicum spp. such as Panicum capillar e, Panicum dichotomijlorum; Phalaris brachystachyx, Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa, Poa spp. such as Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis; Pennisetum spp., Rottboellia exaltata, Setaria spp. such as Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria pumila, Setaria verticillata, Setaria viridis; Urochloa spp., Vulpia spp., Ageratum spp., Amaranthus spp. such as Amaranthus albus, Amaranthus blitoides, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus palmeri, Amaranthus powellii, Amaranthus retroflexus, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus rudis, Amaranthus viridis; Ambrosia artemisifolia, Anthemis arvensis, Arctotheca calendula, Bifora testiculata, Boerhavia dominii, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastor is, Centaurea cyanus, Chenopodium spp. such as Chenopodium album, Chenopodium ficifolium, Chenopodium polyspermum, Chenopodium hybridum; Conyza spp. such as Conyza bonariensis, Conyza canadensis; Cotula australis, Crassula spp., Descurania sophia, Datura stromonium, Echium plantagineum, Emex australis, Er odium spp., Fallopia convolvulus, Fumaria spp., Galium spp. such as Galium aparine, Galium spurium, Galium tricornutum; Kochia scoparia, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria discoidea, Matricaria inodora, Heliotropium spp., Ipomoea spp., Juncus bufonius, Lactuca serriola, Lamium spp., Malva spp., Medicago spp., Papaver spp. such as Papaver rhoeas; Polygonum spp., Portulaca oleracea, Raphanus raphani strum, Rapistrum spp., Sida spp., Sinapis alba, Sinapis arvensis. Sisymbrium spp. such as Sisymbrium officinale, Sisymbrium orientals, ' Solanum nigrum, Sonchus oleraceus, Stellaria media, Tetragonia tetragoniodides, Trianthema portulacastrum, Tribulus spp., Trifolium subterraneum, Thlaspi arvense, Urtica urens, Vicia sativa (Vetches), Veronica spp. and Xanthium spp. The ratio of application of the mixture of the invention varies depending upon various conditions, such as the type of formulation, weather conditions, the type of crop, the desired effect, and the type of weeds. For example, the application rates of the mixture comprising chlorotoluron and at least one herbicidal compound are from 1 g / ha to 10000 g / ha, preferably from 1 g / ha to 1000 g / ha for example, from 500 g / ha to 1000 g / ha or from 1 g / ha to 500 g / ha.

[0103] The present invention provides the use of the mixture or of the formulation comprising pyrasulfotole; a herbicidal compound and optionally a herbicide safener, as mentioned above for controlling weeds, wherein the weeds are selected from the group comprising Raphanus raphanistrum, Galium spp., Vicia sativa, or Bifora testiculata.

[0104] Pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and optionally a herbicide safener can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession, in any order. For example, pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and optionally a herbicide safener are added jointly or in succession. In one example, pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and a optionally a herbicide safener are prepared separately, and the individual formulations are applied as is, or diluted to predetermined concentrations. Alternatively, pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and a optionally a herbicide safener are prepared separately, and the formulations are mixed when diluted to a predetermined concentration. In another example, pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and a optionally a herbicide safener are formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is, or the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

[0105] Similarly, pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession, in any order. For example, pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl added jointly or in succession. In one example, pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the individual formulations are applied as is, or diluted to predetermined concentrations. Alternatively, pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the formulations are mixed when diluted to a predetermined concentration. In another example, pyrasulfotole, linuron and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is, or the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

[0106] In an embodiment, pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession, in any order. For example, pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are added jointly or in succession. In one example, pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the individual formulations are applied as is, or diluted to predetermined concentrations. Alternatively, pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the formulations are mixed when diluted to a predetermined concentration. In another example, pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is, or the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

[0107] In another embodiment, pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession, in any order. For example, pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are added jointly or in succession. In one example, pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the individual formulations are applied as is, or diluted to predetermined concentrations. Alternatively, pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the formulations are mixed when diluted to a predetermined concentration. In another example, pyrasulfotole, bentazone and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is, or the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

[0108] In a further embodiment, pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession, in any order. For example, pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are added jointly or in succession. In one example, pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the individual formulations are applied as is, or diluted to predetermined concentrations. Alternatively, pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the formulations are mixed when diluted to a predetermined concentration. In another example, pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is, or the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration. In yet another embodiment, pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession, in any order. For example, pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are added jointly or in succession. In one example, pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the individual formulations are applied as is, or diluted to predetermined concentrations. Alternatively, pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are prepared separately, and the formulations are mixed when diluted to a predetermined concentration. In another example, pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and optionally mefenpyr-diethyl are formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is, or the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

[0109] Pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; a herbicidal compound selected from the group comprising linuron, flurochloridone, carfentrazone-ethyl, bifenox, aminopyralid, clopyralid, halauxifen-methyl, bentazone, chlorotoluron, chlorpropham or aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession, in any order. For example, pyrasulfotole, at least two herbicidal compounds, as mentioned above and optionally a herbicide safener are added jointly or in succession. In one example, pyrasulfotole, at least two herbicidal compounds, as mentioned above and optionally a herbicide safener are prepared separately, and the individual formulations are applied as is, or diluted to predetermined concentrations. Alternatively, pyrasulfotole, at least two herbicidal compounds, as mentioned above and optionally a herbicide safener are prepared separately, and the formulations are mixed when diluted to a predetermined concentration. In another example, pyrasulfotole, at least two herbicidal compounds, as mentioned above and optionally a herbicide safener are formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is, or the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

[0110] For example, the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 18.75 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr-diethyl at a rate of 4.7 g a.i. / ha and linuron at a rate of 135 g a.i. / ha or the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 37.5 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr- diethyl at a rate of 9.4 g a.i. / ha and linuron at a rate of 270 g a.i. / ha for controlling weeds such as wild radish, bedstraw, vetches and bifora.

[0111] In another example, the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 18.75 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr-diethyl at a rate of 4.7 g a.i. / ha and clopyralid at a rate of 12 g a.i. / ha or the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 37.5 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr- diethyl at a rate of 9.4 g a.i. / ha and clopyralid at a rate of 24 g a.i. / ha for controlling weeds such as wild radish, bedstraw, vetches and bifora.

[0112] In yet another example, the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 18.75 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr-diethyl at a rate of 4.7 g a.i. / ha and bentazone at a rate of 60 g a.i. / ha or the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of37.5 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr- diethyl at a rate of 9.4 g a.i. / ha and bentazone at a rate of 240 g a.i. / ha for controlling weeds such as wild radish, bedstraw, vetches and bifora.

[0113] In further example, the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 18.75 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr-diethyl at a rate of 4.7 g a.i. / ha and bentazone at a rate of 60 g a.i. / ha or the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 37.5 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr- diethyl at a rate of 9.4 g a.i. / ha and bentazone at a rate of 240 g a.i. / ha for controlling weeds such as wild radish, bedstraw, vetches and bifora.

[0114] In an example, the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 18.75 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr-diethyl at a rate of 4.7 g a.i. / ha and chlorpropham at a rate of 125 g a.i. / ha or the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 37.5 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr- diethyl at a rate of 9.4 g a.i. / ha and chlorpropham at a rate of 250 g a.i. / ha for controlling weeds such as wild radish, bedstraw, vetches and bifora.

[0115] In another example, the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 18.75 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr-diethyl at a rate of 4.7 g a.i. / ha and aclonifen at a rate of 150 g a.i. / ha or the mixture of the invention may comprise pyrasulfotole at a rate of 37.5 g a.i. / ha, mefenpyr- diethyl at a rate of 9.4 g a.i. / ha and aclonifen at a rate of 300 g a.i. / ha for controlling weeds such as wild radish, bedstraw, vetches and bifora.

[0116] The present invention provides a method for controlling weeds comprising contacting the weeds or their locus with an agriculturally effective amount of the mixture or the composition as defined above.

[0117] Formulations:

[0118] Thus, for example, pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener can be applied as a single “ready-for-use” form, or in a combined spray mixture composed of separate formulations of each single active ingredient, such as a “tank-mix” form. It is preferred that the mixture of pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound and optionally a herbicide safener be in the form of a ready-for-use formulation (ready mix formulation). This ready-mix formulation can be obtained by combining the active ingredients in an effective amount with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, a surfactant or other application-promoting adjuvant customarily employed in formulation technology.

[0119] Similarly, pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; a herbicidal compound selected from the group comprising linuron, flurochloridone, carfentrazone-ethyl, bifenox, aminopyralid, clopyralid, halauxifen-methyl, bentazone, chlorotoluron, chlorpropham or aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener can be applied as a single “ready-for-use” form, or in a combined spray mixture composed of separate formulations of each single active ingredient, such as a “tank-mix” form. It is preferred that the mixture of pyrasulfotole, at least two herbicidal compounds and optionally a herbicide safener be in the form of a ready-for-use formulation (ready mix formulation). This ready-mix formulation can be obtained by combining the active ingredients in an effective amount with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, a surfactant or other application-promoting adjuvant customarily employed in formulation technology.

[0120] The present invention mixture may include at least one additional component selected from the group comprising surfactant, solid diluent, liquid diluent, binder, disintegrating agent, pH adjuster, thickening agent, preservative, anti-freezing agent, anti-foaming agent, coloring agent, or a combination thereof. Such compositions can be formulated using agriculturally acceptable carriers or other application-promoting adjuvants customarily employed in formulation technology and formulation techniques that are known in the art.

[0121] Examples of suitable surfactants include, but are not limited to, non-ionic, anionic, cationic, polymeric and ampholytic types such as alkoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated polysorbate (e.g. tween 20), ethoxylated castor oil, lignin sulfonates, fatty acid sulfonates (e.g. lauryl sulfonate), phosphate esters such as phosphate esters of alcohol alkoxylates, phosphate esters of alkylphenol alkoxylates and phosphate esters of styrylphenol ethoxylates, condensates of sulfonated naphthalene and naphthalene derivatives with formaldehyde, condensates of naphthalene or of naphthalenesulfonic acid with phenol and formaldehyde, alkylarylsulfonates, ethoxylated alkylphenols and aryl phenols, polyalkylene glycols, sorbitol esters, alkali metal, sodium salts of lignosulphonates, tri styrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate esters, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, graft copolymers and polyvinyl alcohol-vinyl acetate copolymers. Other surfactants known in the art may be used as desired.

[0122] Examples of suitable solid diluent potentially useful in the present compositions include but are not limited to mineral earths such as silica gels, silicates, talc, kaolin, sericite, attaclay, limestone, bentonite, lime, chalk, bole, mirabilite, loess, clay, dolomite, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, sodium carbonate and bicarbonate, and sodium sulfate; ground synthetic materials; fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas, and products of vegetable origin, such as cereal meal, tree bark meal, wood meal, and nutshell meal; cellulose powders; and other solid diluents.

[0123] Examples of suitable liquid diluent potentially useful in the present compositions include but are not limited to water; aromatic hydrocarbons such as alkylbenzenes and alkylnaphthalenes; alcohols such as cyclohexanol, and decanol; ethylene glycol; polypropylene glycol; dipropropylene glycol; N,N-dimethylformamide; dimethylsulfoxide; dimethylacetamide; N- alkylpyrrolidones such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; paraffins; various oils such as olive, castor, linseed, tung, sesame, corn, peanut, cotton-seed, soybean, rape-seed, or coconut oil; fatty acid esters; ketones such as cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, isophorone, and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2- pentanone; and the like.

[0124] Binder is selected from the group comprising polyvinyl alcohol, dextrin, denatured dextrin, soluble starch, guar gum, xanthan gum, sucrose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum arabic, polyvinyl acetate, sodium polyacrylate, carboxymethyl cellulose or its salt, carboxymethylcellulose dextrin, bentonite, polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 6,000 to 20,000, polyethylene oxide having average molecular weight of 100,000 to 5,000,000, natural phosphatide such as cephalinic acid or lecithin. These binders may be used alone or in combination thereof.

[0125] Disintegrating agent is selected from the group comprising sodium tripolyphosphate, stearic acid metal salt, cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate co-polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyaminocarboxylic acid chelate compound, styrene sulfonate / isobutylene / maleic anhydride co-polymer, starch / polyacrylonitrile graft co- polymer, sodium hexametaphosphate, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium polycarbonate, bentonite. These disintegrating agents may be used alone or in combination thereof. pH adjuster is selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphosphate, di sodium or dipotassium hydrogenphosphate, citric acid, malic acid and triethanolamine. These pH adjusters may be used alone or in combination thereof.

[0126] Thickening agent is selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, water-soluble polymer and inorganic fine powder, wherein the examples for water-soluble polymers are xanthan gum, welan gum, guar gum, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymer, acrylic polymer, acrylic graft copolymer, starch derivative or polysaccharide; or an inorganic fine powder selected from high purity silica, bentonite, white carbon. These thickening agents may be used alone or in combination thereof.

[0127] Preservative is selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, potassium sorbate, 4- hydroxybenzoic acid esters, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4- isothiazolin- 3-one, 1 ,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (Proxel® GXL). These preservatives may be used alone or in combination thereof.

[0128] Anti-freezing agent is selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, polyhydric alcohol such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and glycerol. These anti-freezing agents may be used alone or in combination thereof.

[0129] Anti-foaming agent is selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, silicone compounds such as polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane and organic fluorine compounds. These anti-foaming agents may be used alone or in combination thereof.

[0130] Coloring agent is selected from the group comprising, but not limited to inorganic pigment such as iron oxide, titanium oxide or Prussian blue; organic dye such as alizarin dye, azo dye, metal phthalocyanine dye. These coloring agents may be used alone or in combination thereof.

[0131] When additive ingredients are incorporated into the composition of the present invention, the content of the carrier is selected in a weight range of about 5% to 95%, preferably about 20% to 90%; the content of the surfactant is selected from a range of about 0.1% to 30%, preferably about 0.5% to 10%; and the content of the other additives is selected from a range of about 0.1% to 30%, preferably about 0.5% to 10%. Other ingredients, such as wetting agents, adhesives, neutralizers, sequestrates, fertilizers, biocides, or stabilizers may also be added to the present compositions in order to increase the stability, density, and viscosity of the described compositions.

[0132] The composition of the present invention can be applied by any one of the methods, including atomization, spreading, dusting, spraying, diffusion, immersion, irrigation, injection, mixing, sprinkling (water immersion), foaming, dressing, coating, blasting, fumigation, smoking, smog and painting.

[0133] The present composition may be employed or prepared in any conventional form, for example, as wettable powders (WP), emulsion concentrates (EC), microemulsion concentrates (MEC), water-soluble powders (SP), water-soluble concentrates (SL), suspo-emulsion (SE), oil dispersions (OD), concentrated emulsions (BW) such as oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, sprayable solutions or emulsions, capsule suspensions (CS), suspension concentrates (SC), dusts (DP), oil-miscible solutions (OL), seed-dressing products, granules (GR) in the form of microgranules, spray granules, coated granules and absorption granules, granules for soil application or broadcasting, water-soluble granules (SG), water-dispersible granules (WDG), ultra-low volume (ULV) formulations, microcapsules, aerosol (AE) or waxes. These compositions may be manufactured by any process known in the art, such as, “Pesticide Formulation Guide” (edited by the Pesticide Science Society of Japan, The Agricultural Formulation and Application Committee, published by the Japan Plant Protection Association, 1997).

[0134] Aqueous use forms can be prepared from emulsion concentrates, suspensions, pastes, wettable powders or water-dispersible granules by adding water. To prepare emulsions, pastes or oil dispersions, the components of the compositions either as such or dissolved in an oil or solvent, can be homogenized in water by means of a wetting agent, tackifier, dispersant or emulsifier. Alternatively, it is also possible to prepare concentrates comprising an active ingredient, wetting agent, tackifier, dispersant or emulsifier and, if desired, a solvent or oil, which are suitable for dilution with water.

[0135] Typically, the concentration of active ingredients in the formulation is about 0.1% to 99% w / w, about 0.1% to 95% w / w, or about 0.1% to 90% w / w, based on the total weight of the formulation. For example, the concentration of active ingredients in the formulation is about 1% to 70% w / w, based on the total weight of the formulation, for example about 1% to 50% w / w, or about 1% to 40% w / w, or about 1% to 30% w / w or about 1% to 20% w / w, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, it is possible that the concentration of active ingredients in the formulation is about 1% to 10% w / w, based on the total weight of the formulation. Thus, for example, the concentration of active ingredients in the formulation can be from about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5% to about 90%, 93%, 95%, 98%, 99% based on the total weight of the formulation. The remaining components in the formulation are, for example, carriers and adjuvants.

[0136] The herbicidal formulations or compositions according to the present invention have the advantage of easier applicability, because the amounts of the components are already set in the correct ratio to each other. Moreover, the adjuvant can also be added to the formulations or compositions for better stability or applicability.

[0137] Alternatively, the present invention provides a kit comprising pyrasulfotole; a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener. Similarly, the present invention provides a kit comprising pyrasulfotole, a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen; a herbicidal compound selected from the group comprising linuron, flurochloridone, carfentrazone-ethyl, bifenox, aminopyralid, clopyralid, halauxifen-methyl, bentazone, chlorotoluron, chlorpropham or aclonifen; and optionally a herbicide safener. Such kits may comprise, in addition to the aforementioned active components, one or more additional active ingredients, either within the provided herbicidal composition or separately.

[0138] Method of Use:

[0139] The present invention provides a method for enhancing root systems and / or enhancing crop plant development and / or enhancing crop plant vigor and / or improving plant potential yield comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof.

[0140] The present invention provides a method for enhancing plant development comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, so as to thereby enhance plant development. The present invention provides a method for enhancing root systems by applying an effective amount of any one of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, so as to thereby enhance the root system.

[0141] The present invention provides a method for enhancing plant vigor comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, so as to thereby enhance plant vigor.

[0142] The present invention provides a method for improving plant potential yield comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, so as to thereby improve plant potential yield.

[0143] The present invention provides a method for improving plant quality comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, so as to thereby improve plant quality.

[0144] The present invention provides a method for regulating plant growth comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, so as to thereby regulate plant growth.

[0145] The present invention provides a method for controlling weeds by contacting the weed or its locus with an effective amount of any one of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein so as to thereby control the weeds.

[0146] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for controlling weed by applying the mixture before, during, after the emergence of the undesirable weeds, or either applied the mixture simultaneously or in succession.

[0147] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for controlling weed, wherein the weeds are selected from the group comprising Alopecurus spp., Apera spp., Avena spp., Brachiaria spp., Bromus spp., Chlor is spp., Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria spp., Echinochloa spp., Eleusine indica, Leptochloa spp., Lolium spp., Hordeum glaucum, Panicum spp., Pennisetum spp., Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa., Poa spp., Setaria spp., Urochloa spp., Vulpia spp., Ageratum spp., Amaranthus spp., Arctotheca calendula, Bifora testiculata, Boerhavia dominii, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Chenopodium spp., Conyza spp., Cotula australis, Crassula spp., Datura stromonium, Echium plantagineum, Emex australis, Er odium spp., Fallopia convolvulus, Fumaria spp., Galium spp., Heliotropium spp., Ipomoea spp., Juncus bufonius, Lactuca serriola, Lamium spp., Malva spp., Medicago spp., Papaver spp., Polygonum spp., Portulaca oleracea, Raphanus raphanistrum, Rapistrum spp., Sida spp., Sinapsis arvensis, Sisymbrium spp., Solanum nigrum, Sonchus oleraceus, Stellar ia media, Tetragonia tetragoniodides, Trianthema portulacastrum, Tribulus spp., Trifolium subterraneum, Urtica urens, Vicia sativa, Veronica spp. and Xanthium spp.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling the weeds selected from the group comprising Raphanus raphanistrum, Galium spp., Vicia sativa, or Bifora testiculata.

[0149] The following representative examples illustrate the practice of the present invention in some of its embodiments but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and examples.

[0150] EXAMPLES:

[0151] A synergistic effect exists whenever the action of an active ingredient combination is greater than the sum of the actions of the individual components.

[0152] In the field of agriculture, it is often understood that the term “synergy” is as defined by Colby S. R. in an article entitled “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations” published in the journal Weeds, 1967, vol. 15, p. 20-22.

[0153] Colby’s formula:

[0154] The action expected for a given combination of two active components can be calculated as follows:

[0155] E = X + Y - XY / 100 in which E represents the expected effect, e.g. percentage of pest control, for the combination of the active ingredients at defined doses (for example equal to x and y respectively), X is the effect, e.g. percentage of pest control, observed for compound (I) at a defined dose (equal to x), Y is the effect, e.g. percentage of pest control, observed for compound (II) at a defined dose (equal to y). The action expected for a given combination of three active components can be calculated as follows:

[0156] E = (X + Y + Z) - (XY + XZ + YZ) / 100 + XYZ / 10000 in which E represents the expected effect, e.g. percentage of pest control, for the combination of the active ingredients at defined doses (for example equal to x, y and z respectively), X is the effect, e.g. percentage of pest control, observed for compound (I) at a defined dose (equal to x), Y is the effect, e.g. percentage of pest control, observed for compound (II) at a defined dose (equal to y) and Z is the effect, e.g. percentage of pest control, observed for compound (III) at a defined dose (equal to z).

[0157] Here, efficacy or percent inhibition is determined in %. 0% means efficacy that corresponds to the control, i.e., as if no treatment had been applied. Whereas a percent inhibition of 100% means that complete control is observed. When the percent control observed for the combination is greater than E, there is a synergistic effect. When the percent control observed for the combination is equal to E, there is an additive effect and when the percent control observed for the combination is lower than E, there is an antagonistic effect.

[0158] Example 1.

[0159] A glasshouse trial was conducted at the University of Adelaide, Australia, to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of pyrasulfotole, linuron and mefenpyr-di ethyl. The combination is also evaluated in comparison to the solo applications of pyrasulfotole and mefenpyr-di ethyl; and linuron. The target weeds evaluated included wild radish (Raphanus Raphanistrum), bedstraw (Galium spp.), bifora (Bifora testiculata) and the treatments were applied as post- emergent applications at the three leaf weed growth stages.

[0160] Treatments were applied using a track sprayer, equipped with flat fan nozzles delivering 100 L ha'1at 200 kPa. The treatment details are shown below in Table 1. The synergistic effect of the combination of pyrasulfotole, linuron and mefenpyr-diethyl is being evaluated in terms of weed control, as shown below in Table 2 and Table 3. Percent mortality of wild radish, bedstraw and bifora was conducted 27 days after application. Table 1: Treatment details to access the weed control effect of the combination of Pyrasulfotole, linuron and mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0161] Table 2: Percent mortality of wild radish and bedstraw at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

[0162] Table 3: Percent mortality of Bifora at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

[0163] Result: Combination of Pyrasulfotole, mefenpyr-diethyl and linuron at a ratio of 4: 1 : 28.72 was synergistic for controlling wild radish, bedstraw and bifora.

[0164] Example 2.

[0165] A glasshouse trial was conducted at the University of Adelaide, Australia to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and mefenpyr-diethyl. The combination is also evaluated in comparison to the solo applications of pyrasulfotole and mefenpyr-diethyl, and clopyralid. The target weed was wild radish (Raphanus Raphanistrum), and the treatments was applied as post-emergent applications at the three leaf weed growth stages.

[0166] Treatments were applied using a track sprayer equipped with flat fan nozzles delivering 100 L ha'1at 200 kPa. The treatment details are shown below in Table 4. The synergistic effect of the combination of pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and mefenpyr-diethyl is being evaluated in terms of weed control, as shown below in Table 5. Percent mortality of wild radish was conducted 27 days after application.

[0167] Table 4: Treatment details to access the weed control effect of the combination of Pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0168] Table 5: Percent mortality of wild radish at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

[0169] Result: Combination of Pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and mefenpyr-diethyl at a ratio of 4: 1 : 2.55 was synergistic for controlling wild radish.

[0170] Example 3.

[0171] A glasshouse trial was conducted at the University of Adelaide, Australia, to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of pyrasulfotole, bentazone and mefenpyr-diethyl. The combination is also evaluated in comparison to the solo applications of pyrasulfotole and mefenpyr-diethyl, and bentazone. The target weeds included wild radish (Raphanus Raphanistrum), bedstraw (Galium spp.), bifora (Bifora testiculata') and the treatments were applied as post-emergent applications at the three leaf weed growth stages.

[0172] Treatments were applied using a track sprayer equipped with flat fan nozzles delivering 100 L ha'1at 200 kPa. The treatment details are shown below in Table 6. The synergistic effect of the combination of pyrasulfotole, bentazone and mefenpyr-diethyl is being evaluated in terms of weed control, as shown below in Table 7 and Table 8. Percent mortality of wild radish, bedstraw and bifora was conducted 27 days after application. Table 6: Treatment details to access the weed control effect of the combination of Pyrasulfotole, mefenpyr-diethyl and bentazone.

[0173] Table 7: Percent mortality of wild radish and bedstraw at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

[0174] Table 8: Percent mortality of bifora at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

[0175] Result: Combination of Pyrasulfotole, mefenpyr-diethyl and bentazone at a ratio of 4: 1 : 12.76 and 4: 1 : 25.53 was synergistic for controlling wild radish, bedstraw and bifora.

[0176] Example 4.

[0177] A glasshouse trial was conducted at the University of Adelaide, Australia, to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and mefenpyr-diethyl. The combination is also evaluated in comparison to the solo applications of pyrasulfotole and mefenpyr-diethyl, and chlorpropham. The target weed was wild radish (Raphanus Raphanistruni), and the treatments was applied as post-emergent applications at the three leaf weed growth stages.

[0178] Treatments were applied using a track sprayer equipped with flat fan nozzles delivering 100 L ha'1at 200 kPa. The treatment details are shown below in Table 9. The synergistic effect of the combination of pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and mefenpyr-diethyl is being evaluated in terms of weed control, as shown below in Table 10. Percent mortality of wild radish was conducted 27 days after application.

[0179] Table 9: Treatment details to access the weed control effect of the combination of Pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0180] Table 10: Percent mortality of wild radish at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

[0181] Result: Combination of Pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and mefenpyr-diethyl at a ratio of 4: 1 : 26.6 was synergistic for controlling wild radish.

[0182] Example 5.

[0183] A glasshouse trial was conducted at the University of Adelaide, Australia, to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and mefenpyr-diethyl. The combination is also evaluated in comparison to the solo applications of pyrasulfotole and mefenpyr-diethyl, and aclonifen. The target weeds included wild radish (Raphanus Raphanistrum), bedstraw (Galium spp.), bifora (Bifora testiciilata) and the treatments were applied as post-emergent applications at the three leaf growth weed growth stages.

[0184] Treatments were applied using a track sprayer equipped with flat fan nozzles delivering 100 L ha'1at 200 kPa. The treatment details are shown below in Table 11. The synergistic effect of the combination of pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and mefenpyr-diethyl is being evaluated in terms of weed control, as shown below in Table 12 and Table 13. Percent mortality of wild radish was conducted 27 days after application. Table 11: Treatment details to access the weed control effect of the combination of Pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and mefenpyr-di ethyl.

[0185] Table 12: Percent mortality of wild radish and bedstraw at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Table 13: Percent mortality of Bifora at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

[0186] Result: Combination of Pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and mefenpyr-diethyl at a ratio of 4: 1 : 31.9 was synergistic for controlling bifora and combination of Pyrasulfotole, mefenpyr-diethyl and aclonifen at a ratio of 4: 1 : 31.9 was synergistic for controlling wild radish and bedstraw.

[0187] While the present disclosure of the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been described by way of example in detail herein. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

We claim:

1. A synergistic herbicidal mixture comprises: a) an effective amount of Pyrasulfotole; b) an effective amount of a herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of linuron, clopyralid, bentazone, chlorpropham and aclonifen.

2. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the herbicidal mixture further comprises a herbicide safener.

3. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 2, wherein the herbicide safener is selected from the group comprising benoxacor, cloquintocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, jiecaowan, jiecaoxi, metcamifen, mefenpyr, mephenate, naphthalic anhydride, 2,2,5-trimethyl-3-(dichloroacetyl)-l,3- oxazolidine, 4-(Dichloroacetyl)-l-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane, 2-dichloromethyl-2- methyl-l,3-dioxolane, oxabetrinil or esters thereof.

4. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 3, wherein the herbicide safener is selected from the group comprising mefenpyr-diethyl, cloquintocet-mexyl and cyprosulfamide.

5. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixture further comprises a herbicidal compound selected from the group comprising linuron, flurochloridone, carfentrazone-ethyl, bifenox, aminopyralid, clopyralid, halauxifen- methyl, bentazone, chlorotoluron, chlorpropham or aclonifen.

6. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the herbicidal mixture is selected from the group comprising:1) Pyrasulfotole, and linuron;2) Pyrasulfotole, and clopyralid;3) Pyrasulfotole, and bentazone;4) Pyrasulfotole, and chlorpropham;5) Pyrasulfotole, and aclonifen.

7. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the herbicidal mixture is selected from the group comprising:1) Pyrasulfotole, linuron and mefenpyr-diethyl;2) Pyrasulfotole, clopyralid and mefenpyr-diethyl;3) Pyrasulfotole, bentazone and mefenpyr-diethyl;4) Pyrasulfotole, chlorpropham and mefenpyr-diethyl;5) Pyrasulfotole, aclonifen and mefenpyr-diethyl.

8. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of herbicidal compound (a) and herbicidal compound (b) is from about 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

9. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of the components (a), (b) and herbicide safener in a weight ratio of x:y:z, where x, y and z are independently 1 to 100.

10. The synergistic herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application rate of the mixture is from about 1 g / ha to 10000 g / ha.

11. An agrochemical composition comprising: a) the herbicidal mixture as defined in claim 1, b) an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

12. The agrochemical composition of claim 11, wherein the agriculturally acceptable carrier selected from the group comprising surfactant, solid diluent, liquid diluent, binder, disintegrating agent, pH adjuster, thickening agent, preservative, anti-freezing agent, anti-foaming agent, coloring agent, or a combination thereof.

13. A method for controlling weed comprising contacting the weeds or their locus with an agriculturally effective amount of the mixture as defined in claim 1.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, which comprises applying the mixture before, during, after the emergence of the undesirable weeds, or either applied the mixture simultaneously or in succession.

15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the weed is selected from the group comprising Alopecurus spp., Apera spp., Avena spp., Brachiaria spp., Bromus spp., Chlor is spp., Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria spp., Echinochloa spp., Eleusine indica, Leptochloa spp., Lolium spp., Hordeum glaucum, Panicum spp., Pennisetum spp., Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa., Poa spp., Setaria spp., Urochloa spp., Vulpia spp., Ageratum spp., Amaranthus spp., Arctotheca calendula, Bifora testiculata, Boerhavia dominii, Brassica napus, Cap sella bursa-pastoris, Chenopodium spp., Conyza spp., Cotula australis, Crassula spp., Datura stromonium, Echium plantagineum, Emex australis, Er odium spp., Fallopia convolvulus, Fumaria spp., Galium spp., Heliotropium spp., Ipomoea spp., Juncus bufonius, Lactuca serriola, Lamium spp., Malva spp., Medicago spp., Papaver spp., Polygonum spp., Portulaca oleracea, Raphanus raphanistrum, Rapistrum spp., Sida spp., Sinapsis arvensis, Sisymbrium spp., Solanum nigrum, Sonchus oleraceus, Stellaria media, Tetragonia tetragoniodides, Trianthema portulacastrum, Tribulus spp., Trifolium subterraneum, Urtica urens, Vicia sativa, Veronica spp. and Xanthium spp.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the weed is selected from the group comprising Raphanus raphanistrum, Galium spp., Vicia sativa, o Bifora testiculata.

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