Novel herbicidal composition

Abstract

The invention relates to a herbicidal composition comprising Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition; Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The invention further relates to a process of preparation of the herbicidal composition and to a method of treating weeds or the unwanted vegetation or the plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the herbicidal composition.

Description

[0001] NOVEL HERBICIDAL COMPOSITION

[0002] 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof and an effective amount of Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. More particularly, the invention relates to a herbicidal composition comprising: Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition; Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in the concentration range of 5% to 99.8% w / w of the total composition. The herbicidal composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0004] The invention further relates to the process of preparing the herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof; an effective amount of Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0005] The invention furthermore relates to a method of controlling undesired weeds and vegetation, crop protection or improving plant health or yield by treating the undesired plants or weeds, the plant propagation material, the locus or parts thereof, seed, seedling or the surrounding soil with the herbicidal composition of the present invention.

[0006] 2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of 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. Unwanted plants or weeds are those plants which grow alongside the desired crops or the plants and thereby affect the growth and the quality of the desired crops or the plants. Some examples of the undesired weeds include grasses, sedges, and broad-leaved weeds. Burndown, i.e. the complete removal of weeds from the soil by application of herbicides prior to planting or emergence of a crop, is an important tool of modern weed management. Weeds present at planting will generally grow much quicker than crop plants and thus compete very early in the growing season thereby damaging the crop plants and reducing crop yield. Thus, it is desirable to plant the crop in a weed-free seed bed or to assure that essentially no weeds are present when the crop emerges.

[0008] Various herbicidal compositions have been known in the art to control the undesired plants or the weeds in the agricultural fields and the non-crop lands. At present, several herbicidal compositions have been developed and used, however, there are a variety of types of weeds to be controlled, and their development lasts for a long period of time. Further, undesired plants or weeds exhibit a lowered sensitivity to herbicides (herbicideresistant weeds) and in some applications, it is observed that the herbicides have only exhibited a restricted effect.

[0009] Moreover, in the case of herbicidal compositions, it is desirable to control the harmful and unwanted plants effectively, but at the same time to be compatible with the useful plants in question. It is further desirable to develop a herbicidal composition which has a broad spectrum of activity, allowing the simultaneous control of a variety of undesired and harmful plants. Frequently, this cannot be achieved using a single herbicidally active compound.

[0010] Currently, the herbicides available in the market do not meet the modern-day crop protection requirements, as they:

[0011] • lack in providing a broad spectrum of action,

[0012] • exhibit an unsatisfactory efficacy

[0013] • exhibit increased resistance among the weeds or the unwanted plants due to the repeated and prolonged administration of the individual actives or known chemistries at higher dosages, • lead to environmental pollution and soil toxicity due to the leaching of the herbicides in soil and groundwater.

[0014] It is further observed that several herbicides are not found to be compatible with the useful crops or the plants such as dicotyledonous crop plants including cotton, oilseed rape or the graminaceous plants, such as barley, millet, corn, rice, wheat and sugar cane and in effect, in addition to the harmful plants, the crop plants, too, are damaged on a scale which cannot be tolerated. To address this concern, the application rates of the herbicides are reduced, whereby the useful crops are plants are protected, however, the extent of the control of harmful plants or the weeds is reduced.

[0015] Again presently, the planting area of economic crops is gradually expanding and with the degree of occurrence and the number of weeds also increasing, it is becoming more and more difficult to effectively control the unwanted plants.

[0016] In addition, the repeated use of the currently known herbicidal chemistries also exhibits residue related problems and toxic effects on human beings along with a reduced yield.

[0017] The compositions should also show an accelerated action on harmful plants, i.e. they should effect damaging of the harmful plants more quickly as compared to the application of the individual herbicides.

[0018] Thus, an efficacious and synergistic herbicidal composition having a broad herbicidal spectrum, which allows efficient and reliable control of grass, broadleaf weeds and unwanted vegetation, at reduced application rates, whereby the composition controls the undesired weeds without causing any damage to the useful crops or the plants is desired. It is a further object of the present invention to develop newer herbicidal compositions with modern integrated weed management, not only for an improved toxicological and environmental profile but also for broadening the spectrum of crop protection along with increased safety to the end users. Moreover, the persistence of the herbicidal activity of the composition should be sufficiently long in order to achieve control of the weeds over a sufficiently long period of time. The composition should also have a low toxicity to humans or other mammals. The compositions should also show an accelerated action on harmful plants, i.e. they should effect damaging of the harmful plants more quickly in comparison with application of the individual herbicides.

[0019] There is a need to reduce the rate of application of the herbicidal active ingredients in order to address the adverse environmental or toxicological effects observed with the higher dosages of application of the herbicidal compositions, while also overcoming the issues of development of herbicide resistance and other drawbacks associated with known chemistries, while offering a substantial broad spectrum of crop protection along with increased stability and safety to the end users.

[0020] Aminopyralid is a selective herbicide used for the control of broadleaf weeds, belonging to the picolinic acid family of herbicides. Aminopyralid (4-amino-3,6-dichloro-2-pyridine carboxylic acid) is a pyridine carboxylic acid active ingredient that can deliver systemic control of target species of plants. Aminopyralid can provide both pre-emergent and post- emergent control of several weed plants. Once absorbed, Aminopyralid moves systemically throughout the plant and deregulates the plant growth metabolic pathways, affecting the growth process of the plant, through uneven cell division and growth. Aminopyralid binds at the receptor sites normally used by the plant’s natural growth hormones, resulting in the death of susceptible plant species.

[0021] Metribuzin is a selective herbicide which effectively controls weeds in wheat, potato, soybean, tomato and sugarcane. Metribuzin, a (4-amino-6-tert-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as- triazin-5 (4H)-one) herbicide is used as both pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide in crops including soy bean, potatoes, tomatoes and sugar cane. It is primarily a pre-emergent herbicide and can also be applied as early post emergent herbicide. It acts by inhibiting photosynthesis by disrupting photosystem 11. It has a broad spectrum control of both grasses and broad-leaf weeds.

[0022] However, there is no herbicidal composition known in the art comprising a specific combination of Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, which is not only synergistic in nature but can also effectively exhibit a broad spectrum herbicidal activity at reduced dosages of application and at the same time address the drawbacks discussed above with the known herbicidal chemistries. The inventors have surprisingly found out that the combination of Aminopyralid and Metribuzin exhibits synergy. Further, the inventors have developed a stable synergistic herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof; an effective amount of Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, which exhibits advantageous effects in controlling the weeds, acts as a superior crop-protectant, is non-phytotoxic, is effective at reduced dosages of application, helps in the resistance management observed with the old herbicide chemistries and also demonstrates increased yield on field application, while broadening the spectrum of crop protection in terms of enhanced weed control. The composition is particularly effective in controlling weed flora such as Digitaria spp., Cyperus esculentus, Cyperus campestiris; Cynodon species such as Cynodon dactylon; Borreria spp. such as Borreria hispida, Eragrostis spp., Phalaris minor, Chenopodium album, Convolvulus arvensis, Portulaca oleracea, Anabalis servensis, C.intybus, Echinochloa colonum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Parthenium hysterophorus, Commelina spp, and Trianthema portacastrum.

[0023] The herbicidal composition of the invention comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns and thereby exhibits superior physical characteristics such as suspensibility, dispersibility, flowability and wettabilty. The herbicidal composition with a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns leads to an increased surface area coverage on application to the target crops or the plants which enhances adhesion and provides better penetration of the active moieties when applied to the foliage and also facilitates better absorption by the roots when applied to the surrounding soil, improving their efficacy and bioavailability. Thus, the particle size range of 0.1-50 microns of the herbicidal composition was found to be significant not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy.

[0024] The compositions of the present invention also demonstrated superior performance under accelerated storage and also surprisingly be used effectively in modern irrigation systems.

[0025] 3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising effective amount of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof; Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0026] According to an embodiment, Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof is present in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition; Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition and the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in a concentration range of 5% to 99.8% w / w of the total composition.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, extruded granules, liquid suspension, emulsifiable concentrate, emulsion in water and soluble liquid.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to a process of preparing the herbicidal composition comprising aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition; metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts in the range 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of protection of the crop or improving its health or yield, by treating the undesired weeds and vegetation, or the locus of the weeds or undesired vegetation or the surrounding soil where the undesired weeds are likely to grow with a herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof, an effective amount of metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0031] 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that such specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed. Also, unless denoted otherwise, percentage of components in a composition are presented as weight percent.

[0033] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0036] In any aspect or embodiment described herein below, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” or “consisting substantially of”. In these aspects or embodiment, the composition described includes or comprises or consists of or consists essentially of or consists substantially of the specific components recited therein, to the exclusion of other ingredients or excipients not specifically recited therein.

[0037] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0038] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed considering the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.

[0039] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0040] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0041] As described herein, “WG” or “WDG” refer to water dispersible granules and are defined as a formulation which disperses rapidly when added to water to give a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated as small, easily measured granules by blending and agglomerating ground active ingredients together with surfactants and other formulation excipients and are obtained by spray drying or by extrusion process. These granules instantaneously disperse into finer / primary particles upon addition to water.

[0042] A water disintegrable granule or “GR” or “DG” refers to “water disintegrable granules” comprising agglomerated granules or particles which are generally hard and possess resistance not to easily break or crumble. These granules upon contact with sufficient water or soil moisture disintegrate or break into individual particles releasing the actives over a prolonged period of time.

[0043] An extruded granule refers to those granules which are obtained by the process of extrusion.

[0044] “Quick release” or “instant release” or “instantaneous dispersion” can be used interchangeably and is applicable to granules which rapidly disperse to release the actives.

[0045] A ‘liquid suspension’ encompasses, “aqueous suspension” or aqueous dispersion” or “suspension concentrate (SC)” composition. The suspension is defined as composition wherein solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid as a vehicle can be water and / or a water miscible solvent. The water miscible solvent used herein is environmentally safe.

[0046] As defined herein, emulsion in water or EW formulation is essentially a mixture where a liquid or low-melting-point active ingredient is dispersed as small droplets (0.5 to 2 pm) within a continuous water phase, often stabilized by thickening agents or hydrocolloids for long-term stability (EW).

[0047] As defined herein, an emulsifiable concentrate or EC formulation is essentially an agrochemical formulation where an active ingredient is dissolved in a solvent, along with an emulsifier, to form a stable oil-in-water emulsion when diluted with water, facilitating uniform and precise application.

[0048] As defined herein, a soluble liquid composition is a water soluble formulation of active ingredients in water or in polar solvents.

[0049] The term “plant” or “crop” used in this invention are interchangeable and wherever the term “plant” has been used shall also mean vegetation of similar nature namely crops, trees, shrub, herb etc. The term ‘plant’ refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits. The term plant includes transgenic and non-transgenic plants.

[0050] The term “locus” of a plant as used herein is intended to embrace the place on which the plants are growing, where the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or where the plant propagation materials of the plants will be placed into the soil.

[0051] The term “weed” as used herein refers to unwanted plants or vegetation which compete for resources with the crops or plants of interest.

[0052] The term “herbicide” as used herein refers to a substance which adversely affects the existence and growth of the target weed.

[0053] 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. The term "broad spectrum," as used herein denotes that the composition possesses activity against wide range of pests including multiple species of insects, diseases and arachnids.

[0054] The particle size of the composition is defined as the size of particles of the composition in the form of water dispersible granules (WG) or liquid suspension (SC) or water disintegrable granules (GR or DG) as a whole, comprising the active ingredients i.e. Aminopyralid and Metribuzin along with the agrochemically acceptable excipient / s.

[0055] DIO is the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 10% and represent 10% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D50 is the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 50%. D50 is also called the median particle diameter or median particle size or average particle size and represent an average 50% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D90 is used to indicate particle size distribution and represent 90% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size.

[0056] The term "synergistic effect" is understood to refer in particular to that defined by Colby's formula (Colby, S. R., "Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations", Weeds, 15, pp. 20-22, 1967).

[0057] As used herein, the term "herbicidally effective amount" or "an effective amount" generally means the amount of the inventive mixtures or of compositions comprising the mixtures needed to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of the target weed or the unwanted vegetation. The herbicidally effective amount can vary for the various mixtures / compositions used in the invention. A herbicidally effective amount of the mixtures / compositions will also vary according to the prevailing conditions such as desired pesticidal effect and duration, weather, target species, locus, mode of application, and the like.

[0058] A mixture is defined as a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically united to each other. A homogeneous mixture is defined as one whose composition is uniform throughout the mixture. It is the type of mixture where the composition is constant throughout or the components that make up the mixture are distributed uniformly.

[0059] The term Aminopyralid used in the present invention refers to Aminopyralid or its agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

[0060] The term Metribuzin used in the present invention refers to Metribuzin or its agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

[0061] The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof, an effective amount of Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0062] The inventors have surprisingly found that the herbicidal composition, comprising: Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition; metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in a concentration range of 5% to 99.8% w / w of the total composition, where the composition has a particle size range of 0.1 to 50 microns, demonstrated synergistic herbicidal activity compared to the activity of the individual active ingredient alone.

[0063] The inventors have found that the composition not only provides an excellent weed control, but also improves the yield, when the particles in the composition are present in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The plants treated with the composition of the invention also exhibits improved characteristics such as plant height, root length and improved foliage. The said composition acts as a superior herbicide, is non-phytotoxic and helps in resistance management of old pesticide chemistry, while exhibiting a broad spectrum of crop protection. The composition is effective in controlling several weeds, for instance, broad-leaved weed flora and grassy weed flora. In addition, the composition of the present invention exhibits superior physical characteristics such as suspensibility, dispersibility, flowability, wettability, pourability. The compositions of the present invention also demonstrated superior performance under accelerated storage conditions.

[0064] According to an embodiment, Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 65% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 1% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 1% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0065] According to an embodiment, Aminopyralid is present in an acid form or as an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof. The agriculturally acceptable salts or esters of aminopyralid include, but are not limited to, ammonium salts or substituted ammonium salts, sodium salts and potassium salts. Particularly the salts include aminopyralid-potassium, aminopyralid-olamine, aminopyralid-tris(2-hydroxypropyl) ammonium, aminopyralid-methyl, aminopyralid choline salt, and mixtures thereof. Aminopyralid can also be in the form of an amine salt, and can include aminopyralid- olamine salt, dimethylamine (DMA) salt, monoethanolamine (MEA) salt, triisopropanolamine (TIPA) salt, or a mixture thereof. The ammonium salts include mono- , di- and tri-Cl-C8-alkylammonium salts such as methyl ammonium, dimethylammonium and isopropylammonium (e.g., triisopropanolammonium), mono-, di- and tri-hydroxy- C2-C8-alkylammonium salts such as hydroxyethylammonium, di(hydroxyethyl)ammonium, tri(hydroxyethyl)ammonium, hydroxypropylammonium, di(hydroxypropyl)ammonium and tri(hydroxypropyl) ammonium salts, their diglycolamine salts and their esters, in particular its Cl-C8-alkyl esters and Cl-C4-alkoxy- C2-C4-alkyl esters, such as methyl esters, ethyl esters, isopropyl, butyl, hexyl, heptyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, 2-ethylhexyl and butoxyethyl esters. Preferred esters of aminopyralid include the butyl esters. Preferred salts of aminopyralid include the potassium, dimethylammonium and tri-isopropanolammonium salts.

[0066] According to an embodiment, Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metribuzin is present in the range of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of a solid, a liquid or a gel or a paste.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the solid composition is in the form of one of wettable powders, dispersible powders, broadcast granules, spheronized granules, extruded granules, water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, dry capsulated suspension and a dry ZC composition (combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate).

[0069] According to an embodiment, the solid composition is preferably in the form of one of water disintegrable granules, extruded granules and water dispersible granules.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the solid composition comprises aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition and metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the water disintegrable granular composition or the extruded granules are in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the water dispersible granules and extruded granules are preferably, in a size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to an embodiment, the water dispersible granules and extruded granules are preferably, in a size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to an embodiment, the water dispersible granules and extruded granules are preferably, in a size range of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm. According to an embodiment, the water dispersible granules are preferably, in a size range of 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules, preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 40 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules, preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules, preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules, disperse into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns, on addition to water. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules, disperses into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, on addition to water.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 30 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 20 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 10 microns.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 20 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and extruded granules comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the liquid herbicidal composition is in the form of oil dispersion (OD), liquid suspension (SC), soluble liquid (SL), flowable concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate (EC), seed dressing, suspo-emulsion (SE), capsulated suspension (CS), emulsions in water (EW), Ultra-low-volume concentrate (ULV) and combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC).

[0077] According to an embodiment, the liquid composition is preferably, in the form of one of liquid suspension (SC), emulsifiable concentrate (EC), emulsion in water (EW) and soluble liquid (SL) compositions.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the liquid composition comprises Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition.

[0079] According to a further embodiment, the particle size of the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension is in the range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. According to a further embodiment, the particle size of the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension is in the range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns. According to a further embodiment, the particle size of the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension is in the range of 0.1 micron to 10 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension disperses into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, on addition to water. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension disperses into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns, on addition to water.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 20 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 10 microns.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 15 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 5 microns.

[0082] The particle size range of 0.1-50 microns of the herbicidal composition for the solid composition or 0.1-30 microns for the liquid composition, was found to be important not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipients is selected from at least one of surfactants; binders or binding agents; disintegrating agents; fillers or carriers or diluents; coating agents; spreading agents; colorants; anticaking agents; buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents; pigments; stabilizers; antifoaming agents or defoamers; penetrants; structuring agents or thickeners or suspending agents or suspension aid agents or anti-settling agents or viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers or tackifiers; humectants; sticking agents; anti-freezing agents or freeze point depressants; chelating or complexing or sequestering agents; solvents; preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides; anti-microbial agents and antioxidants and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agrochemically acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention. The agrochemically acceptable excipients are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 99.8% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 95% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the herbicidal composition of the present invention include one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents. According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the composition include one or more of anionic and non-ionic surfactants.

[0087] The anionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to a salt of Fatty Acid, a Poly carboxylate, Alkyl Ether Sulfates, an Alkyl Sulfate, an Alkylarylsulfate, an Alkylaryl Sulfonate, an Aryl Sulfonate, a Lignin Sulfonate, an Alkyl Diphenyl Ether Disulfonate, a Polystyrene Sulfonate, a Salt of Alkylphosphoric Acid Ester, an Alkylaryl Phosphate, a Styrylaryl Phosphate, a Salt Of Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether Sulfuric Acid Ester, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Sodium Salt, Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate or Its Salts, Sodium Lauroyl sarcosinate, Sulfosuccinates, Polyacrylates, Alkyl Ether Phosphate, a Salt of Polyoxyethylene alkylaryl Phosphoric Acid Ester, Sulfosuccinates -Mono and other Diesters, Phosphate Esters, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate-lsopropyl and Butyl Derivatives; Alkyl Aryl Ether Phosphates, a salt of Polyoxyethylene Aryl Ether Phosphoric Acid Ester, Mono-Alkyl Sulphosuccinates, Aromatic Hydrocarbon Sulphonates, Ammonium Laurylsulphate, Soap, Soap Substitute, Sodium Alkyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl benzenesulfonate, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Laurethsulfate, Sodium Nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, Alkyl Carboxylates, Sodium Stearate, Alpha Olefin Sulphonates, Naphthalene Sulfonate Salts, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Fatty Acid salts, Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates-Sodium salt, Fatty Alcohol Sulphates, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates-Sodium Salt, A Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid Condensed with Formaldehyde or a Salt of Alkyl naphthalene Sulfonic Acid condensed with Formaldehyde or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0088] The non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants include one or more of but not limited to Polyol Esters, Polyol Fatty Acid Esters, Ethoxylated and Propoxylated Fatty Alcohols, EO and PO Block Copolymers, Di, Tri-Block Copolymers, Comb Polymers, Polysorbates, Alkyl Polysaccharides, Polyoxyethylene Glycol, Sorbitan Derivatives, Fatty Acid Esters of Sorbitan (Spans) and Their Ethoxylated Derivatives (Tweens), Cocamide Monoethanolamine (MEA), Decyl, Narrow-Range Ethoxylate, Oleyl Alcohol, PEG-10, Polysorbate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan, Sorbitanmonolaurate, Sorbitanmonostearate, Sorbitantristearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Castor Oil Ethoxylate, Polyglycol Ethers, Polyadducts of Ethylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide, Polyoxy Ethylene Sorbitan, Fatty Acid Polyglyceride, Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether, Polyoxyethylenealkylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylenestyrylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylene Glycol Alkyl Ether, Alcohol Ethoxylates- C6 to C16 / 18 Alcohols, Linear and Branched, Alcohol Alkoxylates- Various Hydrophobes and EO / PO Contents and Ratios, a Polyoxyethylene Hydrogenated Castor Oil, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the herbicidal composition include, but not limited to non-ionic dispersants selected from one or more of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acids, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates; alkyl ethoxylates; EO-PO block and graft copolymers; However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the herbicidal composition include, but not limited to anionic dispersants selected from one or more of tristyrylphenolethoxylate phosphate esters; lignin sulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkali metal, alkylarylsulfonates, alkylsulfonates, mixture of sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonic acid urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salt of phenol sulphonic formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, condensation products of aryl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates and kraft lignin. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0093] According to an embodiment the wetting agents used in the herbicidal composition include, but are not limited to one or more of phenol naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, naphthalene sulphonate sodium salt, dibutylnaphthalene- sulfonic acid, alkylarylsulfonates, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters, salts, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different wetting agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the carriers that are used in the herbicidal composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to one or more of solid carriers or fillers or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carriers include mineral carriers, plant carriers, synthetic carriers, water-soluble carriers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0096] The solid carriers include natural minerals like clay such as china clay, acid clay, kaolin such as kaolinite, dickite, nacrite, and synthetic and diatomaceous silicas, micas, such as pyrophyllite, talc, silicas such as cristobalite and quartz, such as attapulgite and sepiolite, vermiculite, laponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated aluminas, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, silicas, surface-modified silicas, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, loess, mirabilite, white carbon, slaked lime, synthetic silicic acid, starch, modified starch, cellulose, plant carriers such as cellulose, chaff, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran, and soybean flour, casein sodium, sucrose, salt cake, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Commercially available Silicates are Aerosil brands, Sipernat brands as Sipernat ® 22S and CALFLO E, and kaolin 1777. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 70% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition.

[0097] According to an embodiment, solvent comprises water miscible solvents. According to an embodiment, water miscible solvents include but are not limited to 1, 4-Dioxane, Ethylene glycol, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-Propanediol, 1,5-Pentanediol, Propylene glycol, Triethylene glycol, 1,2-Butanediol, 1,3-Butanediol, 1,4-Butanediol, Dimethylformamide, Dimethoxyethane, Dimethyloctanamide, glycerol, Dimethyldecanamide. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water miscible solvents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0098] According to an embodiment, solvent comprises water immiscible solvents. According to an embodiment, water immiscible solvents include aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aromatic and non- aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum distillates, aromatic and non-aromatic ethers, esters or amides, oils or mixtures thereof. According to further embodiment the oils can be one or more of a mineral oil, petroleum oil, vegetable oil or animal oil or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water immiscible solvents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0099] The mineral oil or petroleum oil can be one or more of aliphatic or isoparaffinic series, and mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons; halogenated aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons. Paraffinic oil can be selected from linear or branched C8 to C30 paraffins for example such as octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, their mixtures, or mixtures thereof with higher boiling homologs, such as hepta-, octa-, nona- decane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, pentacosane, and the branched chain isomers thereof, unsubstituted or substitutedaromatic or cycloaliphatic C7 to C18 hydrocarbon compounds such as mono- or polyalkyl- substituted benzenes, or mono- or polyalkyl-substituted naphthalenes, or transesterification products thereof, liquid esters of Cl to C 12 alcohols such as butanol, n- octanol, i-octanol, dodecanoi, cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, cyclooctanol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol with C2 to C12 carboxylic or polycarboxylic acids, such as caproic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, succinic acid and glutaric acid; or with aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, toluic acid, salicylic acid and phthalic acid , liquid amides of Cl to C5 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with C6 to C18 carboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof. Esters which can be used in the oil dispersions of the invention are benzyl acetate, caproic acid ethyl ester, pelargonic acid ethyl ester, benzoic acid methyl or ethyl ester, salicylic acid methyl, propyl, or butyl ester, diesters of phthalic acid with saturated aliphatic or alicyclic Cl to C12 alcohols, such as phthalic acid dimethyl ester, dibutyl ester, diisooctyl ester, or liquid amides of C1-C3 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with C6 - C18 carboxylic acids or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other mineral or petroleum oils without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0100] The vegetable oils can be one or more of seed oil. The vegetable oils can also include one or more of soy bean oil, rape seed oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, com oil, cotton seed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, kapok oil, papaya oil, camellia oil, rice bran oil, tung oil and the like; and esters of the above vegetable oils, or transesterification products thereof such as soy bean oil methyl esters, ethyl esters, propyl esters, butyl esters or derivatives thereof. The animal oil can be one or more of whale oil, cod-liver oil, or mink oil. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other vegetable or animal oils without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0101] The petroleum distillates include one or more of aromatic hydrocarbons derived from benzene, such as toluene, xylenes, other alkylated benzenes and the like, and naphthalene derivatives, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane, octane, cyclohexane, and the like, mineral oils from the aliphatic or isoparaffinic series, and mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons; halogenated aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons; vegetable, seed or animal oils such as soybean oil, rape seed oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cotton seed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like, and Ci-C6 mono-esters derived from vegetable oils such as methyl oleate, methyl soyate, and methyl laurate, seed or animal oils; C1-C6 dialkyl amides of C6- C20 saturated and unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids; C1-C12 esters of aromatic carboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids and C1-C12 esters of aliphatic and cyclo aliphatic carboxylic acids; C4-C 12 polyesters of dihydric, trihydric, or other lower polyalcohols such as, propylene glycol dioleate, di-octyl succinate, di-butyl adipate, di-octyl phthalate, and the like.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the composition includes organic solvents or cosolvents such as ethers like tetrahydrofuran and the like, alkylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol diethyl ether and the like, amides such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide or N-methylpyrrolidone and the like, ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone and the like, nitriles such as butyronitrile and the like, sulfoxides or sulfones such as dimethyl sulfoxide or sulfolane and the like, and alkylene carbonates such as propylene or butylene carbonate.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 60% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 50% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 40% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 30% by weight of total composition.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the antifoaming agents or defoamers which are used in the herbicidal composition of the present invention include but are not limited to one or more of silica, siloxane, silicone dioxide, polydimethyl siloxane, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymers, silicone oils and magnesium stearate or derivatives thereof. Preferred antifoaming agents include silicone emulsions (such as, e.g., Silikon® SRE, Wacker or Rhodorsil® from Rhodia), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, fluoro -organic compounds. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different antifoaming agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents that are used in the composition include both acids and bases of the organic or inorganic type and mixtures thereof. According to a further embodiment, pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents include, but are not limited to one or more of organic acids, inorganic acids, and alkali metal compounds or salts, derivatives thereof. According to an embodiment, the organic acids include, but not limited to one or more of citric, malic, adipic, fumaric, maleic, succinic, and tartaric acids, or salts, derivatives thereof, and the mono-, di-, or tribasic salts of these acids or derivatives thereof. According to an embodiment, the salts of inorganic acids include, but not limited to one or more of alkali metal salts such as, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and the like. Mixtures can also be used to create a pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different pH adjusters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the pH adjusters or buffers are present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the anticaking agents which are used in the herbicidal composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polysaccharides, fumed and precipitated silica (white carbon), a petroleum resin, Foammaster® Soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearylether, bentonite, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkylsulfosuccinates, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anticaking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the anti caking agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the spreading agents which are used in the composition include but are not limited to one or more of copolymer of maleic acid with a styrene compound, a (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, trisiloxanes and modified trisiloxanes, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different spreading agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the sticking agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of paraffin, a polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyoxyethylene, wax, latex, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, gums such as xanthan gum, vegetable oils such as cottonseed, or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycol, a synthetic resin emulsion or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different sticking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the sticking agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the structuring agents that are used in the herbicidal composition include, but are not limited to one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, suspension aids, rheological modifiers or anti-settling agents. A structuring agent prevents sedimentation of the active ingredient particles after prolonged storage.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of polyacrylics, polysaccharides, cellulose derivatives, co-polymers of cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives; clays such as kaolin, smectite, attapulgites and gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, dextrin, fumed silica, mixture of fumed silica and fumed aluminium oxide, swellable polymers, polyethylene glycol), stachyose, celluloses such as hemicellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxy-methyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl propyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylcellulose; plant starches such as corn starch and potato starch. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different structuring agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0115] Preferred structuring agents include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminium silicate, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, clays, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the anti-freezing agents or freezing point depressants used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, glycerol, However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anti-freezing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the anti-freezing agents or freezing point depressants is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the penetrant which is used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of alcohol, glycol, glycol ether, ester, amine, alkanolamine, amine oxide, quaternary ammonium compound, triglyceride, fatty acid ester, fatty acid ether, N-methyl pyrrolidone, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide, or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylenetrimethylolpropanemonooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate polyoxyethylenetrimethylolpropanedioleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propane trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different penetrants without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the penetrant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the humectant is selected from, but not limited to one or more of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers. Other humectants are propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, poly (ethylene glycol), poly (propylene glycol), glycerol and the like; polyhydric alcohol compounds such as propylene glycol ether, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different humectants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the stabilizers which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of peroxide compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, zeolite, antioxidants such as phenol compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, EDTA, sodium sulphites, citric acid, citrates and the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known stabilizers without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the stabilizer is present in the range of 1% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0124] According to an embodiment, preservative is selected from one or more of formic acid, and derivatives of 2H isothiazol-3-one (so-called isothiazolone derivatives) such as alkylisothiazolones (for example 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, MIT; chloro-2-methyl- 2H-isothiazol-3-one, C1T), benzoisothiazolones (for example l,2-benzoisothiazol-3(2H)- one, BIT, commercially available as Proxel® types from Arch Biocides Ltd.) or 2-methyl- 4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MT1T), Proxel® from Arch Biocides Ltd. or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Lanxess, , Sodium Propinoate, Sodium Benzoate, Propyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben Sodum, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Benzoate, Phenyl Mercuric Nitrate, Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol, Sodium, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzothonium Chloride, Cetyl pyridinium Chloride, Antioxidants includes but not limited to one or more of imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g. urocanic acid), 4,4'-thiobis-6-t-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-p- cresol (BHT), penta erythrityl tetrakis[3-(3,5,-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)] propionate; amine antioxidants. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known preservatives without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the preservative is present in the range of 0.01% to 2% by weight of the total composition.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are selected from but not limited to synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. The pigments and colorants can be water soluble or water insoluble, in the form of lakes. Dyes can be solvent dyes, acid dyes or basic dyes. Examples of such products include, but not limited, Unisperse Red 3855, Pigmosol Agro Red 3785, pigment 15. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known pigments and colorants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are present in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agents which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of inorganic water soluble salts e.g. sodium chloride; water soluble organic compounds such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, a cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL- 10 (crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyrrolidone). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known disintegrating agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agent is present in the range of 0.5% to 15% by weight of the total composition.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the binding agents or binders that are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of maltodextrin, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, complex organic substance, synthetic organic polymers or derivatives and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known binding agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the binder is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition includes at least one further active ingredient. According to an embodiment, the further active ingredients include one or more of macronutrients, micronutrients, biostimulants, fertilizers, pesticidal active ingredients, plant growth regulators, algae, safeners, or mixtures thereof.

[0132] According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredients include one or more herbicides or safeners. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other active ingredients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition of the invention includes at least one further herbicide. The further herbicides include, but not limited to 4-CPA; 4-CPB; 4- CPP; 2,4-D; 2,4-D choline salt, 2,4-D esters and amines, 2,4-DB; 3,4-DA; 3,4-DB; 2,4-DEB; 2,4-DEP; 3,4-DP; 2,3,6-TBA; 2,4, 5-T; 2,4,5-TB; acetochlor, acifluorfen, aclonifen, acrolein, alachlor, allidochlor, alloxydim, allyl alcohol, alorac, ametridione, ametryn, amibuzin, amicarbazone, amidosulfuron, aminocyclopyrachlor, amiprofos- methyl, amitrole, ammonium sulfamate, anilofos, anisuron, asulam, atraton, atrazine, azafenidin, azimsulfuron, aziprotryne, barban, BCPC, beflubutamid, benazolin, bencarbazone, benfuresate, bensulfuron-methyl, bensulide, benthiocarb, bentazon-sodium, benzadox, benzfendizone, benzipram, benzobicyclon, benzofenap, benzofluor, benzoylprop, benzthiazuron, bialaphos, bicyclopyrone, bifenox, bilanafos, bispyribac-sodium, borax, bromacil, bromobonil, bromobutide, bromofenoxim, bromoxynil, brompyrazon, butachlor, butafenacil, butenachlor, buthidazole, buthiuron, butroxydim, buturon, butylate, cacodylic acid, cafenstrole, calcium chlorate, calcium cyanamide, cambendichlor, carbasulam, carboxazole chlorprocarb, carfentrazone-ethyl, CDEA, CEPC, chlomethoxyfen, chloramben, chloranocryl, chlorazifop, chlorazine, chlorbromuron, chlorbufam, chloreturon, chlorfenac, chlorfenprop, chlorflurazole, chlorflurenol, chloridazon, chlorimuron, chlomitrofen, chloropon, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, chloroxynil, chlorsulfuron, chlorthal, chlorthiamid, cinidon-ethyl, cinmethylin, cinosulfuron, cisanilide, clethodim, cliodinate, clodinafop-propargyl, clofop, clomazone, clomeprop, cloprop, cloproxydim, clopyralid, cloransulam-methyl, CMA, copper sulfate, CPMF, CPPC, credazine, cresol, cumyluron, cyanatryn, cyanazine, cycloate, cyclopyrimorate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, cycluron, cyhalofop-butyl, cyperquat, cyprazine, cyprazole, cypromid, daimuron, dalapon, dazomet, delachlor, desmedipham, desmetryn, di-allate, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichloralurea, dichlormate, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-P, diclofop -methyl, diclosulam, diethamquat, diethatyl, difenopenten, difenoxuron, difenzoquat, diflufenican, diflufenzopyr, dimefuron, dimepiperate, dimethachlor, dimethametryn, dimexano, dimidazon, dinofenate, dinoprop, dinosam, dinoseb, dinoterb, diphenamid, dipropetryn, diquat, disuldiuron, DMPA, DNOC, DSMA, EBEP, eglinazine, endothal, epronaz, EPTC, erbon, esprocarb, ethbenzamide, ethametsulfuron, ethidimuron, ethiolate, ethob enzamid, etobenzamid, ethofumesate, ethoxyfen, ethoxysulfuron, etinofen, etnipromid, etobenzanid, EXD, fenasulam, fenoprop, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl+isoxadifen-ethyl, fenoxasulfone, fenteracol, fenthiaprop, fentrazamide, fenuron, ferrous sulfate, flamprop, flamprop-M, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluazifop, fluazifop-P- butyl, fluazolate, flucarbazone, flucetosulfuron, fluchloralin, flufenacet, flufenican, flufenpyr- ethyl, flumetsulam, flumezin, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, flumipropyn, fluometuron, fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen, fluoromidine, fluoronitrofen, fluothiuron, flupoxam, flupropacil, flupropanate, flupyrsulfuron, fluridone, fluorochloridone, fluoroxypyr, fluoroxypyr- meptyl, flurtamone, fluthiacet, fomesafen, foramsulfuron, fosamine, fumiclorac, furyloxyfen, glufosinate, glufosinate salts and esters, glufosinate-ammonium, glufosinate- P-ammonium, glyphosate, glyphosate salts and esters, halauxifen, halauxifen -methyl, halosafen, halosulfuron-methyl, haloxydine, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P -methyl, hexachloroacetone, hexaflurate, hexazinone, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazosulfuron, imazethapyr, indanofan, indaziflam, iodob onil, iodomethane, iodosulfuron, iodosulfuron-ethyl-sodium, iofensulfuron, ioxynil, ipazine, ipfencarbazone, iprymidam, isocarbamid, isocil, isomethiozin, isonoruron, isopolinate, isopropalin, isoproturon, isouron, isoxaben, isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole, isoxapyrifop, karbutilate, ketospiradox, lactofen, lenacil, linuron, MAA, MAMA, MCPA esters and amines, MCPA-thioethyl, MCPB, mecoprop, mecoprop-P, medinoterb, mefenacet, mefluidide, mesoprazine, mesosulfuron, mesotrione, metam, metamifop, metamitron, metazosulfuron, metflurazon, methabenzthiazuron, methalpropalin, methazole, methiobencarb, methiozolin, methiuron, methometon, methoprotryne, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, metazachlor, methyldymron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metolachlor, metosulam, metoxuron, metribuzin, metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, molinate, monalide, monisouron, monochloroacetic acid, monolinuron, monuron, morfamquat, MSMA, naproanilide, napropamide, naptalam, neburon, nicosulfuron, nipyraclofen, nitralin, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen, norflurazon, noruron, OCH, orbencarb, ortho-dichlorobenzene, orthosulfamuron, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxapyrazon, oxasulfuron, oxaziclomefone, oxyfluorfen, paraflufen-ethyl, parafluoron, paraquat, pebulate, pelargonic acidpenoxsulam, pentachlorophenol, pentanochlor, pentoxazone, perfluidone, pethoxamid, phenisopham, phenmedipham, phenmedipham-ethyl, phenobenzuron, phenylmercury acetate, picloram, picolinafen, pinoxaden, piperophos, potassium arsenite, potassium azide, potassium cyanate, pretilachlor, primisulfuron- methyl, procyazine, prodiamine, profluazol, profluralin, profoxydim, proglinazine, prohexadione-calcium, prometon, prometryn, pronamide, propachlor, propanil, propaquizafop, propazine, propisochlor, propoxycarbazone, propyrisulfuron, propyzamide, prosulfalin, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, proxan, prynachlor, pydanon, pyraclonil, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrasulfotole, pyrazogyl, pyrazolynate, pyrazosulfuron- ethyl, pyrazoxyfen, pyribenzoxim, pyributicarb, pyriclor, pyridafol, pyridate, pyriftalid, pyriminobac, pyrimisulfan, pyrithiobac-sodium, pyroxasulfone, pyroxsulam, quinclorac, quinoclamine, quinonamid, quizalofop, quizalofop-P-ethyl, rhodethanil, rimsulfuron, saflufenacil, S-metolachlor, sebuthylazine, secbumeton, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, simeton, simetryn, SMA, sodium arsenite, sodium azide, sodium chlorate, sulcotrione, sulfallate, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron, sulfosate, sulfosulfuron, sulfuric acid, sulglycapin, swep, SYN-523, TCA, tebutam, tebuthiuron, tefuryltrione, tembotrione, tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbucarb, terbuchlor, terbumeton, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, tetrafluoron, thiazafluoronthidiazimin, thidiazuron, thiencarbazone- methyl, thifensulfuron, thifensulfurn-methyl, thiobencarb, tiocarbazil, tioclorim, topramezone, tralkoxydim, triafamone, tri-allate, triasulfuron, triaziflam, tribenuron, tribenuron-methyl, tricamba, triclopyr choline salt, triclopyr esters and salts, tridiphane, trietazine, trifloxysulfuron, trifluralin, triflusulfuron, trifop, trifopsime, trihydroxytriazine, trimeturon, tripropindan, tritac, tritosulfuron, vernolate, xylachlor and salts, esters, optically active isomers and mixtures thereof.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition of the invention may also include one or more herbicide safeners. Herbicide safeners are compounds which are used in combination with the herbicides so as to reduce the effect of the herbicides on crop plants. As some of the safeners are by themselves herbicidally active, they act as antidote to the crop plants and thus reduce or prevent any damage to the crop plants.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition can include known herbicide safeners such as benoxacor, benthiocarb, brassinolide, cloquinotocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamate, diamuron, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, dimepiperate, disulfoton, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, hairpin proteins, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr-diethyl, mephenate, MG- 191, MON 4660, naphthalic anhydride (NA), oxabetrinil, R29148 and N-phenyl-sulfonyl benzoic acid amides to enhance their selectivity.

[0136] According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. It has been surprisingly found that the herbicidal composition of the present invention has enhanced and improved physical properties of dispersibility, suspensibility, wettability, viscosity, pourability, attrition resistance and hardness, which provides ease of handling and also reduces the loss of material while handling the product at the time of packaging as well as during field application.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension does not sediment or settle on storage and is easily pourable. This property can be measured in terms of viscosity of the fluid which is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation by shear stress or tensile stress.

[0138] According to an embodiment, viscosity of the liquid composition is determined as per CIPAC MT-192. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 3000 cps. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 2000 cps. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 1000 cps. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 500 cps. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 300 cps.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the liquid suspension composition of the present invention is easily pourable. The pourability is the measure of percent of residue.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition is determined as per CIPAC MT- 148.1. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water is less than 5% residue. According to further embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water is preferably less than 2.5% residue. According to further embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water is more preferably less than 2.0% residue.

[0141] Suspensibility is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended after a given time in a column of liquid, of stated height, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The test for suspensibility is done as per the C1PAC Handbook, "MT 184 Test for Suspensibility”.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate has a suspensibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate has a suspensibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate has a suspensibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate has a suspensibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate has a suspensibility of at least 90%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate has a suspensibility of at least 95%.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates superior suspensibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS). According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate demonstrates suspensibility of at least 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate demonstrates suspensibility of at least 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate demonstrates suspensibility of at least 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate demonstrates suspensibility of at least 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate demonstrates suspensibility of at least 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrate demonstrates suspensibility of at least 40% under ATS.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule and extruded granules exhibits almost instantaneous dispersion.

[0145] Dispersibility of the composition of the present application, can determined as per the standard C1PAC test, MT 174. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a dispersibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a dispersibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a dispersibility of at least 90%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a dispersibility of at least 95%.

[0146] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules demonstrates dispersibility of at least 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules demonstrates a dispersibility of at least 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules demonstrates dispersibility of at least 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules demonstrates dispersibility of at least 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules demonstrates dispersibility of at least 50% under ATS.

[0147] Wettability is the condition or the state of being wettable and can be defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, measured by the force of adhesion between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of the granular compositions is measured using the Standard C1PAC Test MT-53 which describes a procedure for the determination of the time of complete wetting of wettable formulations. A weighed amount of the granular composition is dropped on water in a beaker from a specified height and the time for complete wetting was determined. According to another embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or extruded granules has a wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to another embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or extruded granules has a wettability of less than 1 minute. According to another embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or extruded granules has a wettability of less than 30 seconds.

[0148] The granular composition is formulated in a manner such that it is imparted with sufficient hardness which prevents the granules from crumbling during storage and transportation. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Erweka, Shimadzu, Brinell Hardness (AKB-3000 Model), Mecmesin, Agilent, Vinsyst, Ametek, Dr. Shleuniger, Electrolab and Rockwell.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 4 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 3 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 2 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 1 Newtons.

[0150] More preferably, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a nil hardness. The reference to nil hardness is indicative of the fact that the hardness of the granules cannot be measured by the hardness measuring apparatus. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Vinsyst Portable Table Hardness Tester VTHT series.

[0151] The water disintegrable granular composition is formulated in a manner such that it is imparted with sufficient hardness which prevents the granules from crumbling during storage and transportation. The hardness exhibited by the granules is estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Monsanto, Sotax, Erweka in accordance with the standard methods described in pharmacopoeias such as United States Pharmacopoeia section<1217>. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 1 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 5 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 10 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 20 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 20 Newton.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule or liquid suspension passes the wet sieve retention test. The test is used to determine the amount of non-dispersible material in formulations that are applied as dispersions in water. The wet sieve retention value of the agrochemical composition in the form of liquid suspension and granules is measured by using the Standard C1PAC Test MT-185 which describes a procedure for the measuring the amount of material retained on the sieve. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water and the suspension formed is transferred to a sieve and washed. The amount of the material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules, liquid suspension and emulsion in water formulation has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.5%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules, liquid suspension and emulsion in water formulation has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.2%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules, liquid suspension and emulsion in water formulation has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.1%. The wet sieve retention value of less than 0.5% indicate that the herbicidal composition helps in easy application of the formulation preventing clogging of the nozzles or filter equipment. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates superior stability towards heat, light, temperature and caking. According to an embodiment, the stability exhibited by the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water is at least 3 years. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water is at least 2 years. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water is at least 1 year. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the herbicidal composition in the form of suspension concentrate and emulsion in water is at least 6 months.

[0154] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to process of preparing composition of the present invention comprising aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition and metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to process of preparing composition of the present invention in the form of a liquid comprising aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0156] According to a further embodiment the present invention relates to a process for preparing the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, extruded granules, liquid suspension, emulsifiable concentrate, emulsion in water and soluble liquid composition.

[0157] According to further embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules is made by various techniques such as spray drying and fluidized bed granulation. The granules of the present invention can also be obtained through the process of extrusion.

[0158] The invention relates to a process for preparing the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, the process comprising: homogenising a blend of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition with one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients in water, in a vessel provided with stirring facilities to obtain a slurry. The process further involves wet milling the slurry obtained, to obtain a slurry comprising particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns. The wet milled slurry is then spray dried or fluid bed dried to obtain the water dispersible granular composition with a granule size of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain water dispersible granular composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0159] The invention also relates to a process for preparing a herbicidal composition in the form of extruded granules, the process comprising homogenously blending Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition in a blender to obtain a mixture. The process further involves Jet-milling or air-milling the mixture obtained in step (i), to obtain a powder comprising particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns. Water is then added to the dry powder and the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder and the resultant extrudates are dried by suitable means such as air drying, fluid bed dryer and tray dryer, followed by sieving to remove the under sized and oversized granules to obtain the granules in the size range of 0.05-4.0 mm. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the herbicidal composition in the form of water disintegrable granules. The process comprises homogenously blending Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition with at least one agrochemically acceptable excipients in a blender to obtain a mixture. The process further involves jet-milling the mixture to obtain a powder comprising particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns. The powder obtained is then mixed with water and one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients to obtain a dough; which is then extruded to obtain granules in a size range of 2 mm to 6 mm; The granules are then dried to obtain water disintegrable granular composition having a moisture content below 3%.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the liquid suspension herbicidal composition, the process comprising: homogenizing mixture of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a suspension; and wet milling the obtained suspension to provide composition with a desired particle size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. To the wet milled suspension, rheology modifiers and other excipients, as may be necessary, are added to obtain the liquid suspension composition, which has a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the herbicidal composition in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate, the process comprising: blending Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition with one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients, water and solvent as may be necessary, to obtain the emulsifiable concentrate composition. According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the herbicidal composition in the form of an emulsion in water, the process comprising: blending Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition with one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients including preservatives, structuring agents and water as may be necessary, to obtain the emulsion in water composition.

[0162] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the herbicidal composition in the form of soluble liquid, the process comprising: blending Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition with one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients, solvents and water as may be necessary, to obtain the soluble liquid composition.

[0163] The herbicidal composition of the present invention may be applied to weeds or the undesired vegetation or may be applied to a place where they grow or to the locus of the weeds or the undesired vegetation. The herbicidal composition may be applied at any time either before or after the emergence of the weeds.

[0164] The herbicidal composition of the present invention may take various application forms such as soil application, foliar application, irrigation application, and submerged application, and it can be applied to agricultural fields such as upland fields, orchards and paddy fields, and non-crop land such as turf grass, pastures, grasslands, range lands, ridges of fields, fallow fields (arable lands left uncropped for one or more growing seasons to allow the soil to recover and regenerate, often as part of a crop rotation system), rights of way, power lines, pipe lines, railway sides, equipment yards, play grounds, golf course, vacant land, forests, factory sites, and roadsides) The herbicidal composition of the present invention can be applied to target crops such as invasive plants and woody plants in rangeland, permanent pastures, industrial and other non-crop areas.

[0165] In some embodiments, the compositions and methods disclosed herein can be used for controlling undesired vegetation in crops. Exemplary crops include, but are not limited to, barley, canola (e.g., winter and spring oilseed rape), cereal, soybean, sugarcane, corn (maize), mint, mustard, rye, triticale, oats, spinach, sugar beet, turnips, rice, wheat, pasture, rangelands, and cruciferous vegetables.

[0166] The herbicidal composition of the present invention can be applied to broad-leaved weed flora. The herbicidal composition of the present invention can be used for controlling broad-leaved weeds such as but not limited to, Polygonum species such as Polygonum convolvulus (wild buckwheat), Polygonum lapathifolium L. (spotted knotweed), Polygonum scabrum (green smartweed); Ambrosia species such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed); Acanthospermum species; Argemone species such as Argemone maxicana; Anthemis species such as Anthemis arvensis; Atriplex species; Amaranthus species such as Amaranthus retroflexus (pigweed), Apera spica-venti, Amaranthus viridis (slender amaranth); Cirsium species; Convolvulus species such as Convolvulus arvensis; Conyza species such as Conyza canadensis (horseweed); Cassia species; Commelina species such as Commelina benghalensis; Chenopodium species such as Chenopodium album L. (Common lambsquarters); Cyperus species such as Cyperus rotundus L. (purple nutsedge), Cyperus esculentus, Cyperus campestiris; Cynodon species such as Cynodon dactylon; Digitaria species such as Digitaria sanguinalis; Digera species such as Digera arvensis; Sida species such as Sida spinosa L. (prickly sida); Lamium species such as Lamium amplexicaule, Lamium purpureum; Borreria spp. such as Borreria hispida, Eragrostis spp., Phalaris minor, Malva species, Matricaria species, Melilotus species such as Melilotus indica; Prosopis species, Rumex species, Sysimbrium species, Solanum species, Trifolium species, Veronica species Viola species such as Viola arvensis; Common chickweed Stellaria media , velvetleaf Abutilon theophrasti], Hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata Cory], Datura species, Euphorbia species such as Euphorbia hirta; Matricaria species such as Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria inodora, Matricaria recutita; Melilotus species such as Melilotus indica, Triticum species such as Triticum aestivum, Triticum duru;, Lolium species such as Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne; Echinochloa species such as Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli; Papaver rhoeas (common poppy); Raphanus raphanistrum (jointed charlock); Sinapis species such as Sinapis arvensis (wild mustard), Sinapis alba,; Geranium species such as Geranium dissectum, Germanium pusilium, Geranium rotundifolium; Ipomoea species (morning-glory).

[0167] The herbicidal composition of the invention is also effective against grassy weeds.

[0168] The herbicidal composition of the present invention is particularly effective against the weed flora such as Digitaria spp. such as Digitaria sanguinalis L., Digitaria ischaemum MuhL, Digitaria adscendens Henr., Digitaria microbachne Henr., Digitaria horizontalis Willd. (crabgrass), Cyperus spp; Cynodon species such as Cynodon dactylon; Borreria spp., Eragrostis spp., Phalaris spp., Melilotus species such as Melilotus indica, Chenopodium spp., Convolvulus spp., Portulaca spp., Anabalis spp., Echinochloa spp., Dactyloctenium spp., Parthenium spp., Commelina spp., and Trianthema spp.

[0169] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to a method of application of the composition. The herbicidal composition of the present invention may be applied to weeds or may be applied to a place where they grow. Further, it may be applied at any time either before or after the emergence of the weeds. Further, the herbicidal composition of the present invention may take various application forms such as soil application, foliar application, irrigation application, and submerged application.

[0170] Further, it can be applied to agricultural fields such as upland fields, orchards and paddy fields, and non-cropland such as ridges of fields, fallow fields, play grounds, golf courses, vacant lands, forests, factory sites, railway sides and roadsides.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the invention also relates to a method of protecting the crop, against unwanted weeds or vegetation, improving the crop health and growth, enhancing the crop yield, strengthening the plant, increasing crop defense, the method comprising treating at least one of unwanted weeds or vegetation or treating the locus at which the crop is growing with the herbicidal composition which includes aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition, metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition and one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns.

[0172] The rates of application or the dosage of the composition depends on the type of use, the target weeds, the degree of weed infestation, the type of crops and also on the specific active ingredients in the composition and the amounts in which they are used, such that the herbicidal active ingredient, is in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as crop protection, crop yield). According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention can be applied as single dose or in multiple doses. According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention may be applied repeatedly for predetermined number of times at regular intervals of a predetermined number of days.

[0173] According to further embodiment, the invention relates to a method for controlling weeds wherein the composition is effective against the weeds ata dosage of0.5kg / hato 30kg / ha. According to further embodiment, the method for controlling weeds wherein the composition is effective against broad leaved weeds at a dosage of 0.5kg / ha to 20kg / ha. According to further embodiment, the method for controlling weeds wherein the composition is effective against broad leaved weeds at a dosage of 0.5 kg / ha to 10 kg / ha. According to further embodiment, the method for controlling weeds wherein the composition is effective against broad leaved weeds at a dosage of 0.5 kg / ha to 5 kg / ha.

[0174] According to an embodiment the composition can be applied from 1 time up to 10 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied up to 8 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied up to 7 times. According to an embodiment, the composition can be applied up to 6 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied up to 5 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied up to 4 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied up to 3 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied up to 2 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied only once. It was observed that the composition of the present invention provides effective control of the undesired vegetation or weeds or as compared to the application of individual actives.

[0175] The composition of the present invention show enhanced herbicide action in comparison with the herbicide action of solo actives such as aminopyralid and metribuzin against undesirable vegetation, in particular, broad leaved weed flora, particularly Digitaria spp., Cyperus esculentus, Cyperus campestiris, Cyperus rotandus, Cynodon species such as Cynodon dactylon, Borreria spp. such as Borreria hispida, Melilotus spp., Eragrostis spp., Phalaris minor, Chenopodium album, Convolvulus arvensis, Portulaca oleracea, Anabalis servensis, C.intybus, Echinochloa colonum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Parthenium hysterophorus, Commelina spp, and Trianthema portacastrum.

[0176] Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage.

[0177] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations is effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

[0178] A. PREPARATION EXAMPLES:

[0179] The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the composition of the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited to these exemplifications. The form of the composition, excipients and the concentrations of actives and excipients can be replaced by any other forms, excipients and concentrations as covered in the present invention.

[0180] EXAMPLE NO 1: Aminopyralid 0.1% + Metribuzin 80% WG (Spray dried granules) 0.11 parts of Aminopyralid was blended with 86 parts of Metribuzin, 5.5 parts of polycarboxylate, 3.5 parts of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, 4.89 parts of sodium ligno sulphate in 110 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 2.5 microns. The milled slurry was then spray dried or fluid bed dried to obtain the water dispersible granules having granule size below 1 mm.

[0181] The composition had a dispersibility of 92%; suspensibility of 88%, wettability of 5 secs and showed a suspensibility 85% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 7.5 microns; D50 of 2.5 microns and DIO of 1.5 microns

[0182] EXAMPLE NO 2: Aminopyralid 65% + Metribuzin 0.1% WG (Spray dried granules)

[0183] 70 parts of Aminopyralid was blended with 0.11 parts of Metribuzin, 8 parts of sodium ligno sulphate, 4 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 10 parts of kraft lignin and balance clay in 130 parts of water to obtain a slurry. The slurry obtained was wet milled to an average particle size below 3 microns. The milled slurry was then spray dried or fluid bed dried to obtain water dispersible granules having granule size below 1 mm.

[0184] The composition had a dispersibility of 86%; suspensibility of 82%, wettability of 4 secs and showed a suspensibility of 79% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 6.5 microns; D50 of 3 microns and D10 of 1.5 microns.

[0185] EXAMPLE NO 3: Aminopyralid potassium 35% + Metribuzin 45% WG (Spray dried granules)

[0186] 37.7 parts of Aminopyralid potassium was blended with 48.2 parts of Metribuzin, 6.10 parts of sodium ligno sulphate, 3 parts of sodium isobutyl naphthalene sulfonate, 2 parts of sodium naphthalene sulfonate condensate and balance poly carb oxy late in 130 parts of water to obtain a slurry. The slurry was then milled to an average particle size below 2.5 microns. The milled slurry was then spray dried or fluid bed dried to obtain water dispersible granules having granule size below 2 mm.

[0187] The composition had a dispersibility of 80%; suspensibility of 76%, wettability of 3 secs and showed a suspensibility of 74% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 8.5 microns; D50 of 2.5 microns and DIO of 1 micron.

[0188] EXAMPLE NO 4: Aminopyralid potassium 30% + Metribuzin 25% WG (Extruded granules)

[0189] 32.5 parts of Aminopyralid potassium was blended with 26.8 parts of Metribuzin, 15 parts of kraft lignin, 4 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulphonate blend, 0.5 parts of silica, 5 parts of perlite and balance clay in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 7 microns, the mixture was then mixed with water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules below 2 mm and further dried to obtain moisture content below 2%.

[0190] The composition had a dispersibility of 64%; suspensibility of 68%, wettability of 3 secs and showed a suspensibility of 65% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 12.5 microns; D50 of 7 microns and DIO of 3.5 microns.

[0191] EXAMPLE NO 5: Aminopyralid Potassium 60 % + Metribuzin 15% WG (Extruded granules)

[0192] 62.2 parts of Aminopyralid potassium was blended with 16 parts of Metribuzin, 5 parts of sodium carbonate, 2 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 2 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 4 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate and 8.8 parts of clay in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder.

[0193] The powder was then jet milled to an average particle size below 5 microns. The powder was then mixed with PVA solution in water to prepare dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain extruded granules below 2 mm and further dried to obtain a moisture content below 2%.

[0194] The composition had a dispersibility of 78%; suspensibility of 82%, wettability of 4 secs and showed a suspensibility of 73% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 11.5 microns; D50 of 5 microns and DIO of 3 microns. EXAMPLE NO 6: Aminopyralid 1 % + Metribuzin 80% GR (PG)

[0195] 1.2 parts of Aminopyralid was blended with 86.9 parts of Metribuzin, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 2 parts of sodium ligno sulphonate, 1 parts of polyethylene glycol, and 4.9 parts of bentonite in a ribbon blender to obtain homogeneous mixture. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 10 microns. The powder was then mixed with balance amount of corn starch solution and water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 3%.

[0196] The composition exhibited a disintegration of 90% (Material passing through 150-micron sieve) on addition to water and a hardness of 10 N.

[0197] EXAMPLE NO 7: Aminopyralid 65 % + Metribuzin 1% GR

[0198] 70 parts of Aminopyralid was blended with 1.1 parts of Metribuzin, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 3.5 parts of sodium ligno sulphonate, 1.5 parts of polyethylene glycol, 1 parts of titanium dioxide, 3 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate and 15.4 parts of perlite in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

[0199] The mixture was then jet milled to a obtain a mixture having an average particle size below 8 microns. The mixture was then mixed with balance amount of corn starch solution and water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm and further dried to obtain a moisture content below 3%.

[0200] The composition exhibited a disintegration of 70% (Material passing through 150-micron sieve) on addition to water and a hardness of 38 N.

[0201] EXAMPLE NO 8: Aminopyralid 40 % + Metribuzin 40 GR (PG)

[0202] 43 parts of Aminopyralid was blended with 43 parts of Metribuzin, 3 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 5 parts of sodium ligno sulphonate, 0.75 parts of polyethylene glycol, 3.25 parts of talc, 2 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 8 microns. The mixture was then mixed with PVA solution and water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 3%. The composition exhibited a disintegration of 82% (Material passing through 150-micron sieve) on addition to water and a hardness of 10 N.

[0203] EXAMPLE NO 9: Aminopyralid 0.01% + Metribuzin 52% SC

[0204] 22.5 parts of acrylic graft polymer and 60 parts of propylene glycol were added to 320 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 0.2 parts of Aminopyralid and 550 parts of Metribuzin, were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 12 parts of nonionic surfactant blend, 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.1 parts of xanthan gum, 0.5 parts of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 0.2 parts of triethanol amine, balance water and 1 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension.

[0205] The composition had a particle size of D10 of 0.59 microns, D50 of 2.35 microns and D90 of 4.3 microns, viscosity of 420 cps and a suspensibility of 93%. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.25%, spontaneity of dispersion was 88% and wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of 0.04%.

[0206] EXAMPLE NO 10: Aminopyralid 35% + Metribuzin 1% SC

[0207] 23.6 parts of acrylic graft polymer and 70 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 400 parts of Aminopyralid and 110 parts of Metribuzin, were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 15 parts of nonionic surfactant blend, 0.3 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, 0.5 parts of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 0.3 parts of triethanol amine, balance water and 1 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension. The composition had a particle size of DIO of 1.2 microns, D50 of 3.5 microns and D90 of 7.6 microns, viscosity of 450 cps and a suspensibility of 89%. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.35%, spontaneity of dispersion was 85% and wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieive of 0.03%.

[0208] EXAMPLE NO 11: Aminopyralid triisopropanol amine salt 0.1% + Metribuzin 20% EC

[0209] 22 parts of Metribuzin, 0.06 parts of Aminopyralid, 0.07 parts of trisisopropanol amine, 12 parts of blend of calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, castor oil ethoxylate and fatty alcohol ethoxylate, 8 parts of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, 2 parts of isopropyl alcohol, 14.7 parts of cyclohexanone, 1 part of water and balance naptha heavy aromatic solvent were blended by conventional method, to obtain an emulsifiable concentrate composition.

[0210] EXAMPLE NO 12: Aminopyralid triisopropanol amine salt 25% + Metribuzin 3% EC

[0211] 4 parts of Metribuzin, 13 parts of Aminopyralid, 13 parts of tris-isopropanol amine, 15 parts of blend of calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, castor oil ethoxylate and fatty alcohol ethoxylate, 9.5 parts of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, 3 parts of isopropyl alcohol, 12.5 parts of cyclohexanone, 1 part of water and balance naptha heavy aromatic solvent were blended by conventional method, to obtain an emulsifiable concentrate composition.

[0212] EXAMPLE NO 13: Aminopyralid triisopropanol amine salt 20% + Metribuzin 10% emulsion in water (EW)

[0213] 11 parts of Metribuzin, 20 parts of Naptha heavy aromatic solvent, 11 parts of Aminopyralid, 11 parts of trisiopropanyl amine, 5 parts of blend of alkylphenolpolyoxyethylene ether, castor oil polyoxyethylene and acrylic graft polymer, 1 part of silica, 5 parts of propylene glycol, 0.1 parts of l,2-benziisothiazolin-3-one, 0.11 parts of xanthan gum and water were formulated to obtain the emulsion in water composition.

[0214] EXAMPLE NO 14: Aminopyralid triisopropanol amine salt 35% + Metribuzin 1% emulsion in water 2 parts of Metribuzin, 30 parts of Naptha heavy aromatic solvent, 18 parts of Aminopyralid, 18 parts of trisiopropanyl amine, 4 parts of blend of alkylphenolpolyoxyethylene ether, castor oil polyoxyethylene and acrylic graft polymer, 1.5 part of silica, 6 parts of ethylene glycol, 0.1 parts of l,2-benziisothiazolin-3-one, 0.15 parts of xanthan gum and water were formulated to obtain the emulsion in water composition.

[0215] EXAMPLE NO 15: Aminopyralid triisopropanol amine salt 10% + Metribuzin 20% SL

[0216] 22 parts of Metribuzin, 6 parts of Aminopyralid, 5 parts of triisopropanol amine, 10 parts of cyclohexanone, 10 parts of blend of calcium alkyl benzene sulphonate, alkyl glycoside, and water were formulated to 100%, following a conventional method to obtain the soluble liquid composition.

[0217] EXAMPLE NO 16: Aminopyralid triisopropanol amine salt 40% + Metribuzin 0.2% SL

[0218] 0.22 parts of Metribuzin, 22 parts of Aminopyralid, 20 parts of triisopropanol amine, 10 parts of cyclohexanone, 11 parts of blend of calcium alkyl benzene sulphonate, 8 parts of alkyl glycoside, and water were formulated to 100%, following a conventional method for preparing a soluble liquid composition.

[0219] EXAMPLE NO 17: Aminopyralid 20% + Metribuzin 20% SC

[0220] 15 parts of acrylic graft polymer and 50 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 400 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 225 parts of Aminopyralid, 220 parts of Metribuzin technical, was further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 10 parts of nonionic surfactant blend, 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.3 parts of xanthan gum, 0.5 parts of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension. The composition had a particle size of DIO of 1.5-microns; D50 of 2.85 microns and D90 of 4.9 microns, viscosity of 500 cps and a suspensibility of 90%. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.27%, spontaneity of dispersion was found to be 86% and wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of 0.05%

[0221] B. FIELD STUDY:

[0222] The following are some abbreviations that have been used in the field study data.

[0223] • WG: Water dispersible granule

[0224] • SC: Liquid suspension

[0225] • DG: Water disintegrable Granules

[0226] • EC: Emulsifiable Concentrate

[0227] • EW: Emulsion in water

[0228] • SL: Soluble Liquid

[0229] • p.s.: Particle size of the composition

[0230] • *: Expected effect (disease reduction or increase in yield) calculated by Colby’s method

[0231] • UTC: Untreated control

[0232] • DAA: Days after application

[0233] • DAS: Days after spraying

[0234] • g / ha: Grams per hectare

[0235] • kg / ha: Kilograms per hectare

[0236] • Qtl / ha: Quintal per hectare

[0237] • T / Ha: Tons per hectare

[0238] The percentage weed control over UTC was calculated using the following formula: % Control = [(PD1 in control plot - PD1 in treated plot) / PD1 in control plot] X 100

[0239] Further, the percentage increase in yield over UTC was calculated using the following formula:

[0240] Increase (%) = [(Crop yield in treated plot - Crop yield in control plot) / Crop yield in control plot] X 100 Synergy evaluation using Colby's formula:

[0241] “Synergy” is as defined by Colby S. R.wee in an article entitled “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations” published in Weeds, 1967, 15, p. 20-22. The action expected for a given combination of two active components can be calculated as follows:

[0242] E = X + Y - (XY / 100)

[0243] Where,

[0244] E= Expected % effect by mixture of two products X and Y in a defined dose.

[0245] X= Observed % effect by product A

[0246] Y= Observed % effect by product B

[0247] The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott’s formula Eq.(2) (Abbott, 1925).

[0248] SF= Observed effect / Expected effect

[0249] Where, SF >1 for Synergistic reaction; SF<1 for antagonistic reaction; SF=1 for additive reaction.

[0250] When the percentage of effect (weed control or reduction and the yield increase) observed for the combination is greater than the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF >1, the synergistic effect of the combination is inferred. When the percentage of effect (weed control or reduction and the yield increase) observed for the combination is equal to the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF~1, merely an additive effect may be inferred, and wherein the percentage of effect (pest / disease reduction or yield increase) observed for the combination is lower than the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF<1, an antagonistic effect of the combinations is inferred.

[0251] Experiment No. 1: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, where the compositions are in the form of extruded granules and emulsifiable concentrate compositions with both actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Borreria hispida (broad leaved weed) and Cyperus rotandus (sedges weed) in commercially cultivated tea crop.

[0252] Field experiment methodology:

[0253] The field trial was carried out to observe the effect of the compositions in the form of extruded granules and emulsifiable concentrate compositions with both actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Borreria hispida (broad leaved weed) and Cyperus rotandus (sedges weed) in tea in Assam. The trial was laid out during the Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The test product compositions as per the present invention with varying concentration range, along with comparative compositions with individual actives and conventional glyphosate composition, with prescribed dose were applied to the soil after the emergence of the weeds. The Tea crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0254] Details of Experiment: a) Trial Location : Assam b) Crop & Variety : Tea (Black) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : 4 f) Treatments : 6 g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of Application: 24.07.2024 j) Method of application: Soil application to the weeds as post emergence (3-4 leaved stage) k) Date of Observation: 24.08.2024

[0255] The observations on weed control of Borreria hispida (broad leaved weed) and Cyperus rotandus (sedges weed) were recorded 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and the mean count was considered for further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 1 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in tea.

[0256] 5 Table 1:

[0257] It can be seen from Table 1 that the application of Treatment T1 with Aminopyralid 65% + Metribuzin 2% extruded granules at 1846.2 g / ha and Treatment T2 with Aminopyralid 10 30% + Metribuzin 0.923% EC at 4000 g / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 91.9% and 92.7% reduction in the Borreria hispida weed incidence in tea, over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the Treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 54.3% and 17.5% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 62.3%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T3 and T4.

[0258] It can be further seen from Table 1 that the application of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2 with compositions, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 84.6% and 86.7% reduction in the Cyperus rotandus weed incidence in tea over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 64.5% and 1.8% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the percentage weed control with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage weed control calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 65.09%, thus demonstrating a synergistic effect. The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments T1 and T2 as well those applied in Treatments T3 and T4, are the same.

[0259] Further, the compositions of treatments T1 and T2, as per the present invention are also superior compared to the results observed in Treatment T5 with the conventional glyphosate compositions.

[0260] Experiment No. 2: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, where the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Ageratum conyzoides (broad leaved weed) and Commelina benghalensis (grassy weed) in commercially cultivated tea.

[0261] Field experiment methodology:

[0262] The field trial was carried out to observe the effect of the composition in the form of extruded granules and emulsifiable concentrate compositions with both actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples with individual actives, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Ageratum conyzoides (broad leaved weed) and Commelina benghalensis (grassy weed) in tea in Assam. The trial was laid out during the Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The test product compositions with compositions as per the present invention with varying concentration range, along with comparative compositions, with prescribed dose were applied to the soil post emergence of the weeds. The tea crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0263] Details of Experiment: a) Trial Location : Assam b) Crop & Variety : Tea (Black) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : 4 f) Treatments : 5 g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of Application: 8. 08. 2024 j) Method of application: Soil application to the weeds post emergence (3-4 leaved stage) k) Date of Observation: 8. 09. 2024

[0264] The observations on weed control of Ageratum conyzoides (broad leaved weed) and Commelina benghalensis (grassy weed) were recorded 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 2 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in tea plantations.

[0265] Table 2:

[0266]

[0267] It can be seen from Table 2 that the application of Treatment T1 with Aminopyralid 2% + Metribuzin 80% extruded granules at 2500 g / ha and Treatment T2 with Aminopyralid 0.875% + Metribuzin 35% emulsifiable concentrate at 5715 g / ha, both as per the 5 embodiments of the present invention, showed a 92.6% and 93.6% control in the

[0268] Ageratum conyzoides weed incidence in tea over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 15.1% and 62.4 % weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage weed control with the treatments T1 and T2, with 10 compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage weed control calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 68.1%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T3 and T4.

[0269] It can be further seen from Table 2 that the application of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2 with compositions, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 87.9% and 88.5% reduction in the Commelina benghalensis weed incidence in tea over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 18.6% and 34.8% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the percentage Commelina benghalensis weed control with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 46.93%, thus demonstrating a synergistic effect.

[0270] The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments T1 and T2 as well those applied in Treatments T3 and T4, are the same.

[0271] Experiment No. 3: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, where the compositions are in the form of liquid suspension with specific particle size range as per the embodiment of the present invention”, as against liquid suspension compositions having a higher particle size range, in controlling weeds such as Cynodon dactylon (conch grass) in commercially cultivated tea, with comparative samples having higher particle size range.

[0272] Field experiment methodology:

[0273] The field trial was carried out to observe the effect of the composition as per the invention in the form of liquid suspension with particle sizes as per the present invention, as against comparative samples with higher particle sizes, in controlling weeds such as Cynodon dactylon (conch grass) in tea in Siliguri. The trial was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The test product compositions as per the present invention with varying concentration range and particle size, along with comparative compositions with higher particle size range, with prescribed dose were applied to the soil after the emergence of the weeds. The Tea crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0274] Details of Experiment: a) Trial Location : Siliguri b) Crop & Variety : Black tea c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 0 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : 4 f) Treatments : 5 g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of Application: 30.07.2024 5 j) Method of application: Soil application (ridges), post emergence (2-3 leaved stage) k) Date of Observation: 30.08.2024

[0275] The observations on weed control of Cynodon dactylon (conch grass) were recorded at 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for 0 further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 3 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in tea.

[0276] Table 3:

[0277]

[0278] It can be seen from Table 3 that the application of Treatments T1 and T2 with the compositions of Aminopyralid 40% + Metribuzin 1.5% SC with p.s of 0.1 to 30 microns as per the invention at 2000 g / ha and Aminopyralid 40% + Metribuzin 1.5% WG with p.s of 0.1 to 50 microns as per the invention at 2000 g / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed an 93.7% and 87.3% reduction, respectively, in the Cynodon dactylon weed incidence in tea, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with the comparative liquid suspension compositions having higher particle size ranges which only showed a 56.2% and 39.7% control, respectively, in the weed incidence in tea, over the untreated control.

[0279] The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments Tl, T2, T3 and T4 are the same. Experiment No.4: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and

[0280] Metribuzin, where the compositions are in the form of water dispersible granules and liquid suspension”, in controlling weeds in commercially cultivated rice crop, with comparative samples which include individual actives. Field experiment methodology:

[0281] The field trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of embodiments of the composition of the present invention on yield of rice (paddy) at Dharampur, Valsad to evaluate the control of Commelina benghalensis (broad leaved) and Digitaria sanguinalis (grassy weed).

[0282] The trial was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 40 sq.m (8m x 5m) was maintained. The compositions evaluated include Aminopyralid and Metribuzin as per the present invention along with the comparative samples. The application of the treatments with the composition as per the embodiment of the invention along with the comparative samples was made on the trial plots post the weed emergence. The paddy crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice. The seeds of paddy variety Jaya, were used for raising the nursery and 25 days old nursery was used for transplanting the trial field in 30 cm row to row and 25 cm plant to plant spacing. Herbicide application was carried out at 20 days after transplanting as post emergence application at 3-4 weed leaf stage

[0283] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Dharampur, Valsad b) Crop : Rice (var: Jaya) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four f) Treatments : Seven g) Plot size : 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of transplanting: 15.06.2024 i) Date of Application: 05.07.2024 j) Method of application: Soil application at weed emergence (3-4 leaved stage) k) Date of Harvesting: 05.08.2024

[0284] The observations on weed control Commelina benghalensis (broad leaved) and Digitaria sanguinalis (grassy weed), were recorded at 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for further analysis and the percentage disease incidence was presented in Tables 4 and 4A, to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control of rice. Table 4:

[0285] It can be seen from Table 4 that the application of Treatment T1 with Aminopyralid 20% 5 + Metribuzin 50% WG at 600 g / ha and Treatment T2 with Aminopyralid 15% +

[0286] Metribuzin 37.5% SC at 800 g / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed an 92.1% and 92.7% reduction in the Commelina benghalensis weed incidence in rice over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which only showed a 45.8% and 33.6% weed control, 0 respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 64%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to 5 the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T5 and T6. The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments T1 and T2 as well those applied in Treatments T5 and T6, are the same.

[0287] Furthermore, it can be observed from Table 4 that the Treatments T3 and T4, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 or T2 also demonstrated a 89.6% and 89.2% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, applied at higher dosages. Table 4A: It can be seen from Table 4A that the application of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2 with compositions, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 91.2% and 91.7% reduction in the Digitaria sanguinalis weed incidence in rice over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which only showed a 56.7% and 27.3% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 68.53%, thus demonstrating a synergistic effect.

[0288] Further the compositions of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 30% and 29.3% increase in the yield of rice over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatments T1 and T2, is higher than the expected yield of 21.9%, thereby illustrating a synergist effect.

[0289] Furthermore, it can be observed from Table 4A that the Treatments T3 and T4, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 or T2 also demonstrated a 89.4% and 89.7% weed control, respectively, as well as an enhanced yield, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, applied at higher dosages, thus illustrating that the composition as per the invention is also effective at reduced dosages.

[0290] Experiment No. 5: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, where the compositions are in the form of water dispersible granules and liquid suspension”, in controlling weeds such as Chenopodium album (broad leaved) and Phalaris minor (grassy weed) in commercially cultivated wheat crop, with comparative samples

[0291] Field experiment methodology:

[0292] The field trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules (WG) and liquid suspension (SC) on the yield of wheat at Karnal, Haryana as well as in controlling Chenopodium album (broad leaved) and Phalaris minor (grassy weed), weeds in wheat.

[0293] The trial was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 40 sq.m (8m x 5m) was maintained. The compositions evaluated include Aminopyralid and Metribuzin in specific concentrations as per the present invention, along with the comparative samples with individual actives. The application of the treatments with the composition as per the embodiment of the invention along with the comparative samples was made on the trial plots post weed emergence. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The wheat crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0294] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Karnal, Haryana b) Crop : Wheat (var: DBW 443) c) Experiment season: Rabi 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four f) Treatments : Seven g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of sowing :6-ll-2024 i) Date of Application: 1-12-2024 j) Method of application: Soil application post weed emergence k) Date of Observation (weed incidence): 1.01.2025 l) Date of Harvesting: 10.04.2025

[0295] The observations on weed control Chenopodium album (broad leaved) and Phalaris minor (grassy weed) were recorded at 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for further analysis and the percentage disease incidence was presented in Table 5 and Table 5A to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control of wheat. Table 5:

[0296] It can be seen from Table 5 that the application of Treatment T1 with Aminopyralid 2.5% 5 + Metribuzin 80% WG at 2400 g / ha and Treatment T2 with Aminopyralid 1.563% +

[0297] Metribuzin 50% SC at 3840 g / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 90.3% and 91.1% reduction in the Chenopodium album weed incidence in wheat over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which only showed a 22.1% and 50.9% weed control, 0 respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 61.7%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to 5 the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T5 and T6. The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments T1 and T2 as well those applied in Treatments T5 and T6, are the same.

[0298] Furthermore, it can be observed from Table 5 that the Treatments T3 and T4, both as per 5 the embodiments of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 or T2 also demonstrated a 89% and 85% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, applied at higher dosages.

[0299] 10

[0300] Table 5A: It can be seen from Table 5A that the application of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2 with compositions, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 91.2% and 90.8% reduction in the Phalaris minor weed incidence in wheat over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which only showed a 36.62% and 33.91% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 58.12%, thus demonstrating a synergistic effect.

[0301] Further the compositions of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 22.6% and 23.1% increase in the yield of wheat over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatments T1 and T2, is higher than the expected yield of 11.21%, thereby illustrating a synergist effect.

[0302] Furthermore, it can be observed from Table 2A that the Treatments T3 and T4, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 or T2 also demonstrated a 89.6% and 86.6% weed control, respectively, as well as an enhanced yield, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, applied at higher dosages.

[0303] Experiment No. 6: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, where the compositions are as per the embodiment of the present invention, are compared to compositions, with higher particle size ranges, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Melilotus indica in commercially cultivated wheat crop.

[0304] Field experiment methodology:

[0305] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Aminopyralid and Metribuzin formulated as water disintegrable granules and extruded granules, with particle sizes as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against water disintegrable granular compositions or extruded granular compositions, with higher particle size ranges, in wheat at Karad in Maharashtra. The trial was laid out during Rabi season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The test product composition as per the present invention, along with the comparative samples with prescribed dose were applied to the soil after the weed emergence. The Wheat crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0306] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Karad, Maharashtra b) Crop Wheat (var Lokwan) c) Experiment season Rabi 2024 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Seven g) Plot size 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of sowing 11-11-2024 i) Date of Application 6-12-2024 j) Method of application: Soil application post weed emergence. k) Date of Harvesting : 6-01-2025

[0307] The observations on weed control of Melilotus indica (broad leaved weed) were recorded at 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for further analysis and the percentage weed incidence was presented in Table 6 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in wheat.

[0308] Table 6:

[0309]

[0310] It can be seen from Table 6 that the application of Treatments T1 and T2 with the compositions of Aminopyralid 15% + Metribuzin 50% DG with p.s. of 0.1 to 50 microns at 800 g / ha and Aminopyralid 15% + Metribuzin 50% extruded granules with p.s. of 0.1 to 50 microns at 800 g / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a

[0311] 95.8% and 95.4% reduction, respectively, in the Melilotus indica weed incidence in wheat, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3, T4, T5 and T6 with the comparative water disintegrable granular compositions and extruded granular compositions, having higher particle size ranges which only showed a 65.6%, 67.2%, 29.9% and 31.6% reduction, respectively, in the weed incidence in wheat, over the untreated control.

[0312] Moreover, it can be seen that the treatments T1 and T2, with the compositions as per the embodiments of the present invention, resulted in an enhanced yield of 39.9% and 36.5%, respectively, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3, T4, T5 and T6, with the comparative samples with higher particle size, which only showed a yield increase of 20.1%, 18.4%, 9.6% and 6.8%, respectively, over the untreated control. The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments Tl, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 are the same.

[0313] Experiment No. 7: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, where the compositions are in the form of water disintegrable granules with particle sizes and varying concentrations of both the actives, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against water disintegrable granular compositions with higher particle size ranges, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Argemone maxicana (broad leaved weed) in commercially cultivated wheat crop.

[0314] Field experiment methodology:

[0315] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Aminopyralid and Metribuzin formulated as water disintegrable granules, where both actives are present in specific concentrations with particle sizes as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against water disintegrable granular compositions with higher particle size ranges, in wheat in Punjab. The trial was laid out during Rabi season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The test product composition as per the present invention, along with the comparative samples with prescribed dose were applied to the soil post emergence of the weed. The Wheat crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0316] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Punjab b) Crop Wheat (var PBW 826) c) Experiment season Rabi 2024 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Seven g) Plot size 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of sowing 6-11-2024 i) Date of Application 1-12-2024 j) Method of application: Soil application post weed emergence k) Date of observation : 1-01-2025

[0317] The observations on weed control of Argemone maxicana were recorded at 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for further analysis was presented in Table 7 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in wheat.

[0318] Table 7:

[0319]

[0320] It can be seen from Table 7 that the application of Treatments T1 and T4 with the compositions of Aminopyralid 60% + Metribuzin 5% DG with p.s of 0.1 to 50 microns as per the invention at 2200 g / ha and Aminopyralid 1% + M 80% DG with p.s of 0.1 to 50 microns as per the invention at 2500 g / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed an 90.5% and 87.5% reduction, respectively, in the Argemone maxicana weed incidence in wheat, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T2, T3, T5 and T6 with the comparative water disintegrable granular compositions having higher particle size ranges which only showed a 69.9%, 59.9%, 65.8% and 52.5% reduction, respectively, in the weed incidence in wheat, over the untreated control.

[0321] Moreover, it can be seen that the treatments T1 and T4, with the compositions as per the embodiments of the present invention, resulted in an enhanced yield of 30.4% and 25.4%, respectively, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T2, T3, T5 and T6, with the comparative samples which only showed a yield increase of 11.2%, 6.5%, 9.5% and 5%, respectively, over the untreated control. The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments Tl, T2 and T3 or in the Treatments T4, T5 and T6 are the same.

[0322] Experiment No. 8: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, where the compositions are in the form of emulsion in water and soluble liquid compositions with both actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples with individual actives, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Digera arvensis (broad leaved weed) in commercially cultivated sugarcane crop.

[0323] The trial was laid down in the Kharif season in the Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh State in India on sugarcane. The experiments were conducted using emulsion in water and soluble liquid compositions of Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, both present in specific concentrations, as per the embodiments of the present invention as against the comparative sample as well as an untreated control. The treatments were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design and keeping all the agronomic practices uniform for all the treatments.

[0324] It is to be noted that all the treatments were applied at 3-4 leaved stage post the emergence of the weeds. It is also to be noted that the herbicidal composition of the invention along with the comparative samples and the untreated check were evaluated against the weeds on sugarcane.

[0325] Details of experiment: a) Trial Location : Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh b) Crop : Sugarcane (var: CoSH 19231, Lahidi) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four f) Treatment : Four g) Plot size : 10m x 5m = 50 sq.m h) Date of sowing : 7.02.2024 i) Date of Application: 27.02.2024 j) Method of application: Basal application as post weed emergence (3-4 leaved stage) k) Date of Harvesting: 8.03.2025

[0326] The observations on weed control of Digera arvensis were recorded at 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 8 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in sugarcane. Table 8:

[0327] It can be seen from Table 8 that the application of Treatment T1 with Aminopyralid 1% + 5 Metribuzin 40% Emulsion in water at 3000 g / ha and Treatment T2 with Aminopyralid 0.875% + Metribuzin 35% soluble liquid at 3428.6 g / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 90.42% and 89.34% control in the Digera arvensis weed incidence in sugarcane over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 10 6.77% and 50.5 % weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 53.9%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T3 and T4.

[0328] Further the compositions of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 35.2% and 31.4% increase in the yield of sugarcane over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatments T1 and T2, is higher than the expected yield of 15.3%, thereby illustrating a synergist effect.

[0329] The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments T1 and T2 as well those applied in Treatments T3 and T4, are the same.

[0330] Experiment No. 9: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, where the compositions are in the form of emulsion in water composition with both actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Amaranthus viridis (broad leaved weed) in commercially cultivated sugarcane crop.

[0331] The trial was laid down in the Kharif season in the Navsari district of Gujarat in India on sugarcane. The experiments were conducted using emulsion in water composition of Aminopyralid and Metribuzin, both present in specific concentrations, as per the embodiments of the present invention as against the comparative sample as well as an untreated control. The treatments were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design and keeping all the agronomic practices uniform for all the treatments.

[0332] It is to be noted that all the treatments were applied at 3-4 leaved stage post the emergence of the weeds and the herbicidal composition of the invention along with the comparative samples and the untreated check were evaluated against the weeds on sugarcane.

[0333] Details of experiment: a) Trial Location : Navsari, Gujarat b) Crop : Sugarcane (var: COJ 238) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four

[0334] 5 f) Treatment : Four g) Plot size : 10m x 5m = 50 sq.m h) Date of sowing : 05.01.2024 i) Date of Application: 25.01.2024 j) Method of application: Post weed emergence (3-4 leaved stage)

[0335] 10 k) Date of Harvesting: 06.02.2025

[0336] The observations on weed control of Amaranthus viridis were recorded at 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 9 to assess the efficacy of the 15 compositions on the weed control in sugarcane.

[0337] Table 9: It can be seen from Table 9 that the application of Treatment T1 with Aminopyralid 10% + Metribuzin 20% Emulsion in water at 1200 g / ha as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed a 88.88% control in the Amaranthus viridis weed incidence in sugarcane over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T2 and T3 with individual actives, which only showed a 43.4% and 22.6% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction with the Treatment T1 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 55.9%. Thus, the treatment T1 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T2 and T3.

[0338] Further the compositions of Treatment T1 as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed a 21.4% increase in the yield of sugarcane over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatment Tl, is higher than the expected yield of 12.5%, thereby illustrating a synergist effect.

[0339] The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatment Tl and those applied in Treatments T2 and T3, are the same.

[0340] Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage.

[0341] Moreover, the compositions of the invention show a persistent herbicidal activity, even under difficult weathering conditions, which allows a more flexible application in burndown applications and minimizes the risk of weeds escaping. The composition of the invention is non-phytotoxic and shows superior crop compatibility with certain conventional crop plants and with herbicide tolerant crop plants, i.e. their use in these crops leads to a reduced damage of the crop plants and / or does not cause any damage to the crop plants and also assists in managing herbicidal resistance or reducing herbicidal residue. The composition of the present invention exhibits an accelerated action on harmful plants, i.e. they may effect damage of the harmful plants more quickly in comparison with solo application of the individual herbicides.

[0342] Furthermore, the composition of the present invention is highly stable, synergistic in nature and is suitable for integrated pest management. Further, such composition also helps in improving the crop yield, crop characteristics etc. Thus, it has been observed that the composition of the present invention, demonstrates enhanced, efficacious and superior behaviour in the fields at reduced dosage along with ease of application making it economically beneficial and environment friendly.

[0343] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A herbicidal composition comprising: a] Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition; b] Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the concentration range 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition; and, c] at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in the concentration range of 5% to 99.8% w / w of the total composition, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

2. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel.

3. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the solid composition is in the form of wettable powder, dispersible powders, broadcast granules, spheronized granules, extruded granules, water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, dry capsulated suspension and a dry ZC composition (combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate.

4. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the solid composition is in the form of water dispersible granules (WG), water disintegrable granules (DG) and extruded granules (WG).

5. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the solid composition in the form of water dispersible granules (WG), water disintegrable granules (DG) and extruded granules comprise particles in the size range 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

6. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid composition comprises Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition.

7. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of one of oil dispersion (OD), liquid suspension (SC), soluble liquid (SL), flowable concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate (EC), seed dressing, suspo-emulsion (SE), capsulated suspension (CS), emulsions in water (EW), Ultra-low-volume concentrate (ULV) and combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC).

8. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of one of liquid suspension (SC), emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and emulsion in water (EW).

9. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the liquid suspension (SC) composition comprises particles in the size range 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

10. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition and Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 20% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition.

11. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at least one active ingredient selected from macronutrients, micronutrients, biostimulants, fertilizers, pesticidal active ingredients, plant growth regulators, algae or mixtures thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

12. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from surfactants; binders or binding agents; disintegrating agents; fillers or carriers or diluents; coating agents; spreading agents; colorants; anticaking agents; buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents; pigments; stabilizers; antifoaming agents or defoamers; penetrants; structuring agents or thickeners or suspending agents or suspension aid agents or anti-settling agents or viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers or tackifiers; humectants; sticking agents; anti-freezing agents or freeze point depressants; chelating or complexing or sequestering agents; solvents; preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides; anti-microbial agents and antioxidants and is present in a concentration range of 5% to 99.8% by weight of the total composition.

13. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is anionic or non-ionic surfactants.

14. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 12, wherein the surfactant is selected from emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents and is present in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition.

15. A process of preparation of the herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, in the form of water dispersible granules, wherein the process comprises: i. homogenising a blend of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w; Metribuzin or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition with one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients in water, in a vessel provided with stirring facilities to obtain a slurry; ii. wet milling the slurry obtained, to obtain a slurry comprising particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns; hi. spray drying or fluid bed drying the slurry obtain the water dispersible granular composition with a granule size of 0.05 mm to 3 mm.

16. A process for preparation of the herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 8, in the form of liquid suspension, wherein the process comprises: i. homogenising the blend of water, Aminopyralid or agrochemically acceptable salts and esters thereof in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w and Metribuzin or agrochemically acceptable salts thereof in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w with one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients in a vessel provided with stirring facilities to obtain a liquid suspension; ii. passing the liquid suspension obtained in step (i) through the wet mill to obtain a composition comprising particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns. hi. adding further excipients as required and balance water to obtain the liquid suspension concentrate.

17. A method for protecting the plant against unwanted weeds or vegetation, the method comprising treating the undesired weeds and vegetation, or the locus of the weeds or undesired vegetation or the surrounding soil where the undesired weeds are likely to grow with a herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Aminopyralid or agriculturally acceptable salts and esters thereof, an effective amount of Metribuzin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

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