Combination of compounds with excellent herbicidal activity

Abstract

The invention relates to active compound combinations comprising (a) a compound of the formula (I) and (b) nonanoic acid or a derivative thereof, compositions comprising such active compound combinations and methods for controlling unwanted vegetation using such combinations.

Description

[0001] The non-selective herbicidal activity of nonanoic acid is known in the art. Nonanoic acid or ammonium nonanoate is usually used directly or in combination with, for example, glyphosate for weed control of post-emergence weeds. However, it has been found that the resistance level of certain weeds increases. In addition, the current use of glyphosate has caused extensive public discussion. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a new combination comprising a herbicide with enhanced activity and derived from nature, thereby overcoming these obstacles. For herbicides based on biological control agents, it is desirable to provide such a combination: it controls a wider weed spectrum, increases the persistence of weed control, and maintains higher crop safety.

[0002] The present invention as described below at least partially solves this technical problem.

[0003] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to an active compound combination comprising

[0004] (a) Compounds of formula (I)

[0005]

[0006] in

[0007] Each X is independently selected from F, Cl and Br,

[0008] n is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5;

[0009] and

[0010] (b) Nonanoic acid or its derivatives.

[0011] The compounds of formula (I) have herbicidal activity themselves. They belong to the class of anilide herbicides and pyridine herbicides. The carboxamide moiety is connected to one of the carbon atoms of the pyridine ring marked with an asterisk (*). The CF3- group is connected to one of the five carbon atoms of the benzene ring.

[0012] Nonanoic acid, also known as pelargonic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with the structural formula CH3(CH2)7CO2H. This compound has long been known for its herbicidal activity, and at least some of its derivatives also have herbicidal activity. The herbicidal activity is non-selective and is based on a rapid burn-down effect in weed control.

[0013] Derivatives of nonanoic acid include salts and esters of nonanoic acid, which are known as nonanoates / esters. Derivatives known to have herbicidal activity include ammonium nonanoate. Other possible derivatives include methyl nonanoate, ethyl nonanoate, propyl nonanoate and isopropyl nonanoate, as well as sodium nonanoate and potassium nonanoate.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I), n is 1 or 2.

[0015] In principle, the at least one X can be in every possible position, but preferably the at least one X is in the para position. Thus, for n being 2 or more, preferably at least one of the two or more X is in the para position.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I), X is F.

[0017] In a more preferred embodiment, compound a) is selected from diflufenican and picolinafen. Diflufenican has the following formula:

[0018]

[0019] Flupyralid has the following formula:

[0020]

[0021] The most preferred compound (a) is difluanid.

[0022] In the course of the present invention, it was surprisingly found that the active compound combination of the present invention, compounds (a) and (b), exerts an excellent effect in controlling weeds. As can be seen from the examples, the active compound combination, when applied to different types of weeds, in addition to the already excellent weed control, also exerts a synergistic effect in many cases.

[0023] Without wishing to be bound by any scientific theory, the inventors believe that the observed effect may be due to the different modes of action of the two compounds of the active compound combination. Compound (a) is known to act as an inhibitor of carotenoid biosynthesis in the phytoene dehydrogenase step or phytoene dehydrogenase inhibitor (HRAC: F1), whereas compound (b) (HRAC: Z, unknown mode of action) acts immediately and the first effects can already be seen a few hours after administration.

[0024] The active compound combination of the present invention and the composition comprising the active compound combination allow excellent (total) weed control at agronomically acceptable crop damage levels. The herbicidal action is fast-acting and lastingly effective. In particular, when the active compound combination of the present invention is applied before planting (e.g., burn-down application) or before crop emergence (e.g., pre-emergence (PRE) application), the damage can be minimized. However, the active compound combination can be used not only for treating cultivated crops or areas where crops are to be cultivated, but also for weed control in other areas. It is particularly useful in these cases: for keeping train tracks and public areas free of unwanted plants, or for providing weed control in the entire area of ​​plantations and orchards or in tree rows. In addition, the active compound combination or composition of the present invention is applied in the case of a physical barrier between the spray and the crop, or only directed to the weed plant, allowing excellent weed control to be selectively performed in a wide range of row crops, vegetables and ornamental plants. The actual active compound combination or composition of the present invention can also be used to promote the drying of leafy row crops (e.g., potatoes, cereals, soybeans, sunflowers).

[0025] Another particular advantage of the active compound combination or composition of the present invention is that the effective dose of the compounds (A) and (B) used in the combination can be set to very low levels, so that their soil activity / residual activity is optimally low. This means that it is also possible to use the combination or composition of the present invention in sensitive crops. The active compound combination of the present invention enables the amount of the required active substance to be greatly reduced.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the active compound composition further comprises compound (c) as a further herbicidally active compound, preferably a herbicidally active compound which inhibits cellulose synthesis (HRAC:L, cellulose synthesis inhibition), for example indaziflam, isoxaben, triaziflam or dichlobenil. Most preferably, compound (c) is indaziflam.

[0027] Indazinefluanid (IUPAC name: N2-[(1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1H-inden-1-yl]-6-[(1RS)-1-fluoroethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, CAS Registry No. 950782-86-2; its (1R)-1-fluoroethyl diastereomer, CAS Registry No. 730979-19-8; and its (1S)-1-fluoroethyl diastereomer, CAS Registry No. 730979-32-5) is known and described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,069,114 A, EP 0 864 567 A1 and EP 1 592 674 A1.

[0028] Preferred in the context of the present invention is the (1R)-1-fluoroethyl diastereomer of indoxazolidinone, represented by the following structure (the (1R)-1-fluoroethyl portion is marked with an asterisk 1*R):

[0029]

[0030] In the active compound combination of the present invention or the composition comprising the active compound combination, the weight ratio of the total amount of compound (a) to the total amount of compound (b) is generally 1:30 to 1:2000, for example 1:30 to 1:1000 or 1:30 to 1:500, preferably 1:40 to 1:500, particularly preferably 1:40 to 3:800. The above ratios already show excellent effects, while starting from about 1:500 or preferably about 1:270, for example at a ratio of 3:800, synergistic effects on specific weeds are observed.

[0031] If the active compound combination consisting of compounds (a) and (b) also comprises a compound (c) such as indoxazolidinone, the application ratio is generally in the range of (a):(b):(c) from 1:100:1 to 20:2000:1, more preferably from 3:200:1 to 18:1800:1, most preferably from 3.6:240:1 to 15:1600:1.

[0032] Preferred application rates of the active compounds of the invention as defined herein [expressed as ga.i. / ha, i.e. grams of active ingredient per hectare] are as follows:

[0033] Compound (a) is preferably applied at a rate of 5 to 400 g ai / ha, more preferably at a rate of 40 to 200 g ai / ha, particularly preferably at a rate of 80 to 150 g ai / ha.

[0034] If compound (a) is diflufenicol or pyralid, the application rate is preferably from 10 to 300 g ai / ha, more preferably a rate of from 4 to 200 g ai / ha, particularly preferably a rate of from 80 to 150 g ai / ha.

[0035] Nonanoic acid is preferably applied at a rate of 2000 to 40000 g ai / ha, more preferably at a rate of 4000 to 20000 g ai / ha, and particularly preferably at a rate of 6000 to 16000 g ai / ha.

[0036] As can be seen from the attached examples, at an application rate of about 16000 g / ha of nonanoic acid, an application ratio of about 1:270 to 1:100 exhibits excellent effects on a broad spectrum of weeds. On the contrary, at different nonanoic acid application rates, synergistic effects were observed over a wide range of ratios of diflufenicol to nonanoic acid.

[0037] The present invention also relates to synergistically active compound combinations comprising compounds (a) and (b) as defined herein.

[0038] The accompanying examples show that when the ratio of compounds (a) to (b) is about 3:800, a synergistic effect is observed on velvetleaf (Abuthilon theophrasti), foxtail grass (Setaria viridis), barnyard grass (Echinoloa crus-galli), millet (Panicum maximum) and corn (Zea mays) 6 days after application of the active compound combination.

[0039] When the application rate of pelargonic acid is about 6000 g / ha, a particularly good synergistic effect against a wide spectrum of different weeds has been observed within the range of 1:150 to 1:30, such as 1:120 to 1:30 or even 1:110 to 1:35, a few days after application. Most preferably, the ratio range is 1:110 to 1:40, including 3:320.

[0040] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising the active compound combination according to the invention and at least one auxiliary.

[0041] As already mentioned above, the active compound combinations according to the invention can be used not only as mixed preparations (if appropriate, mixed with other agrochemical active compounds, additives and / or customary formulation auxiliaries and then diluted with water for application in a customary manner); but also as so-called tank mixes (by jointly diluting the individually formulated components or parts of the individually formulated components with water).

[0042] If not otherwise specified, the term "combination" represents various combinations of compounds (a) and (b) in the form of separate formulations, in the form of a single "premix", in the form of a combined spray mixture (e.g., "tank mix") consisting of separate formulations, and in particular in the form of a single active ingredient when applied in a sequential manner (i.e., in a reasonably short period of time, e.g., minutes, hours, or days, e.g., 2 hours to 7 days, when applied sequentially). The order in which the compositions of the invention are applied is not critical for the practice of the invention. Therefore, the term "combination" also encompasses the presence of compounds (a) and (b) in these places: on the plant to be treated, or in the plant surroundings, growth environment (including groves) of the plant or crop to be planted therein (e.g., after simultaneous or sequential application of compounds (a) and (b) to the plant surroundings, growth environment, or storage space).

[0043] If compounds (a) and (b) are employed or used in a sequential manner, preferably the plants or plant parts (including seeds and plants grown from seeds) are treated: first, compound (a) or compound (b) is applied to the plants or plant parts, and then compound (b) or compound (a) is applied to the same plants or plant parts. The time between the first and second applications can be varied during the (crop) growth cycle, depending on the effect to be achieved. For example, the first application is a broadcast application to the entire planting area (including the cereal plants in the crop rows and the spaces between the rows) to combat existing and emerging weed plants; the second application treats only the spaces between the cereal rows to avoid spray drifting onto the cereal plants. In the present context, control means that each compound or active compound combination is able to keep weed growth at an acceptable level or completely inhibit weed growth or destroy existing weeds.

[0044] For example, the active compound combination as defined herein may also comprise one or more further agrochemically active compounds (ie agrochemically active compounds other than components (a) and (b) as defined above).

[0045] Agrochemical active compounds which can be used in combination with the active compounds of the present invention in mixed formulations or tank mixes are, for example, active compounds described in the following documents and documents cited therein: Weed Research 26, 441-445 (1986); "The Pesticide Manual", 15th edition, The British Crop Protection Council and the Royal Soc. Of Chemistry, 2006; and agricultural active compounds which are, for example, inhibitors of the following enzymes: acetolactate synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, cellulose synthase, enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, glutamine synthetase, p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, phytoene dehydrogenase, photosystem I, photosystem II and / or protoporphyrinogen oxidase.

[0046] Examples of active compounds known from the literature which can be described as herbicides or plant growth regulators and which can be combined with the active compound combinations according to the invention are as follows (the individual compounds are described under the "common name" of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or under the chemical name or conventional number), and always include all their application forms (e.g. acids, salts, esters) or modifications (e.g. isomers, such as stereoisomers and optical isomers). As an example, at least one application form and / or modification will be mentioned):

[0047] Examples of herbicides are:

[0048] Acetochlor, acifluorfen, alloxydim-sodium, aclonifen, alachlor, allidochlor, alloxydim, alloxydim-sodium, ametryn, amicarbazone, amidochlor, amidosulfuron, 4-amino-3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(7-fluoro-1H-indol-6-yl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid, Aminocyclopyrachlor, cyclopyrachlor potassium salt, aminocyclopyrachlor-methyl, aminopyralid, amitrole, ammoniumsulfamate, anilofos, asulam, atrazine, azafenidin, azimsulfuron, beflubutamid, benazolin, benazolin ethyl, fluorine benfluralin, benfuresate, bensulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, bensulide, bentazone, benzobicyclon, benzofenap, bicyclopyron, bifenox, bialafos, sodium bialafos, bispyribac, sodium bispyribac, bixlozone, bromacil, brom obutide), bromofenoxim, bromoxynil, bromoxynil butyl, bromoxynil potassium, bromoxynil heptyl, bromoxynil octyl, busoxinone, butachlor, butafenacil, butamifos, butenachlor, butralin, butroxydim, butylate, cafenstrole, carbetamide, carfentrazone,carfentrazone-ethyl, chloramben, chlorbromuron, 1-{2-chloro-3-[(3-cyclopropyl-5-hydroxy-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)carbonyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}piperidin-2-one, 4-{2-chloro-3-[(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzoyl}-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate, chlorfenac, chlorfenac sodium salt, Chlorfenprop, chlorflurenol, chlorflurenol methyl, chloridazon, chlorimuron, chlorimuron-ethyl, 2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)benzoyl]-3-hydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-one, 4-{2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)-3-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methyl]benzoyl}-1-ethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate, chlorphthalimide,

[0049] (chlorophthalim), chlorotoluron, chlorthal-dimethyl, 3-[5-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]-4-hydroxy-1-methylimidazolidin-2-one, chlorsulfuron, cinidon, cinidon-ethyl, cinmethylin, cinosulfuron, clacyfos, clethodim, clodinafop, clod inafop-propargyl), clomazone, clomeprop, clopyralid, cloransulam, cloransulam-methyl, cumyluron, cyanamide, cyanazine, cycloate, cyclopyranil, cyclopyrimorate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, cyhalofop-butyl cyhalofop, cyhalofop-butyl), cyprazine, 2,4-D, 2,4-D-butoxyethyl ester, 2,4-D-butyl ester, 2,4-D-dimethylammonium salt, 2,4-D-diolamine, 2,4-D-ethyl ester, 2,4-D-2-ethylhexyl ester, 2,4-D-isobutyl ester, 2,4-D-isooctyl ester, 2,4-D-isopropylammonium salt, 2,4-D-potassium salt, 2,4-D-triisopropanolammonium salt, 2,4-D-triethanolamine, 2,4-DB, 2,4-DB-butyl ester, 2,4-DB-dimethylammonium salt, 2,4-DB-isooctyl ester, 2,4-DB-potassium salt, 2,4-DB-sodium salt, daimethuron (daimethuron) muron (dymron), dalapon, dazomet, n-decanol, desmedipham, detosyl-pyrazolate (DTP), dicamba, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-P, diclofop, diclofop-methyl, diclofop-P-methyl, diclosulam, difenzoquat,Diflufenzopyr, diflufenzopyr sodium salt, dimefuron, dimepiperate, dimethachlor, dimethametryn, dimethenamid, dimethenamid-P, 3-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-6-[(2-hydroxy-6-oxocyclohex-1-en-1-yl)carbonyl]-1-methylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, 1,3-dimethyl-4-[2-(methylsulfonyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-yl -1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate, dimetrasulfuron, dinitramine, dinoterb, diphenamid, diquat, diquat-dibromid, dithiopyr, diuron, DMPA, DNOC, endothal, EPTC, esprocarb, ethalfluralin, ethametsulfuron, ethametsulfuron ron-methyl), ethiozin, ethofumesate, ethoxyfen, ethoxyfen-ethyl, ethoxysulfuron, etobenzanid, ethyl [(3-{2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3,6-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl]phenoxy}pyridin-2-yl)oxy] acetate, F-9960, F-5231, i.e., N-{2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-[4-(3-fluoropropyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H- tetrazol-1-yl]phenyl}ethanesulfonamide, F-7967, i.e. 3-[7-chloro-5-fluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-4-yl]-1-methyl-6-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-P, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fenoxasulfone, fenquinotrione, fentrazamide, flamprop,flamprop-M-isopropyl, flamprop-M-methyl, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, fluazifop-butyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, flucarbazone, flucarbazone sodium, flucetosulfuron, fluchlorazone lin), flufenacet, flufenpyr, flufenpyr-ethyl, flumetsulam, flumiclorac, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, fluometuron, flurenol, flurenol-butyl, fluorenol dimethyl ammonium salt, fluorenol methyl ester, fluoroglycofen, fluoroglycofen ethyl, flup ropanate), flupyrsulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl-sodium, fluridone, flurochloridone, fluroxypyr, fluroxypyr-meptyl, flurtamone, fluthiacet, fluthiacet-methyl, fomesafen, fomesafen sodium, foramsulfuron, fosamine, glufosinate glufosinate, glufosinate ammonium, glufosinate sodium, glufosinate ammonium, glufosinate sodium, glyphosate, glyphosate ammonium, glyphosate isopropyl ammonium, glyphosate diammonium, glyphosate dimethyl ammonium, glyphosate potassium, glyphosate sodium, glyphosate trimethyl sulfonate, H-9201, O-(2,4-dimethyl-6-nitrophenyl) O-ethyl isopropyl thiophosphoramidate, haloxifen, haloxifen-methyl, halosafen, halosulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl,Haloxyfop, haloxyfop-P, haloxyfop ethoxyethyl ester,

[0050] (haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl), haloxyfop-P-ethoxyethyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P-methyl, hexazinone, HW-02, 1-(dimethoxyphosphoryl)ethyl-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetate, 4-hydroxy-1-methoxy-5-methyl-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]imidazolidin-2-one, 4-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]imidazolidin-2-one, (5-hydroxy-1 -methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(3,3,4-trimethyl-1,1-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1-benzothiophen-5-yl)methanone, 6-[(2-hydroxy-6-oxocyclohex-1-en-1-yl)carbonyl]-1,5-dimethyl-3-(2-methylphenyl)quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, imazamethabenz, imazamethabenz methyl, imazamox, imazamox ammonium salt, imazapic, imazapic ammonium salt, imazapyr, imazapic isopropylammonium salt, imazaquin, imazaquin ammonium salt, imazaethoxylated azethapyr), imazethapyr-immonium, imazosulfuron, indanofan, indanofen, iodosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, ioxynil, ioxynil-octanoate, iodobenzonil-potassium, iodobenzonil-sodium, ipfencarbazone, isoproturon, isouron, isoxapromide, isoxaprozil (isoxaflutole), karbutilate, KUH-043, i.e. 3-({[5-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methyl}sulfonyl)-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazole, ketospiradox, lactofen, lenacil, linuron, MCPA, MCPA-butoxyethyl ester, MCPA-dimethylammonium salt, MCPA-2-ethylhexyl ester, MCPA-isopropylammonium salt, MCPA-potassium salt, MCPA-sodium salt, MCPB, MCPB-methyl ester,MCPB-ethyl ester, MCPB-sodium salt, 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid (mecoprop), 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid sodium (mecoprop-sodium), 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid butoxyethyl ester, 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid (mecoprop-P), 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid butoxyethyl ester, 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid dimethylammonium salt, 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid-2-ethylhexyl ester, 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid potassium, mefenacet, mefluidide, mesosulfuron, mesosulfuron-methyl, mesotrione (mefenacet sotrione), methabenzthiazuron, metam, metamifop, metamitron, metazachlor, metazosulfuron, methabenzthiazuron, metiopyrsulfuron, methiozolin, 2-({2-[(2-methoxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl}carbonyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione, methyl isothiocyanate, 1-methyl-4-[(3,3,4-trimethyl-1,1- [2,3-dihydro-1-benzothiophene-5-yl)carbonyl]-1H-pyrazol-5-ylpropane-1-sulfonate, metobromuron, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metosulam, metoxuron, metribuzin, metsulfuron (metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl), molinat, monolinuron, monosulfuron, monosulfuron ron-ester), MT-5950 (N-(3-chloro-4-isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpentanamide), NGGC-011, napropamide, NC-310 ([5-(benzyloxy)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl](2,4-dichlorophenyl)methanone), neburon, nicosulfuron, pelargonic acid (nonanoic acid), norflurazon, oleic acid (fatty acid), orbencarb, orthosulfamuron, oryzalin, oxadiargyl,Oxadiazon, oxasulfuron, oxaziclomefon, oxyfluorfen, paraquat, paraquatdichloride, pebulate, pendimethalin, penoxsulam, pentachlorphenol, pentoxazone, pethoxamid, mineral oil, phenmedipham, amiloride picloram, pinoxaden, piperophos, pretilachlor, primisulfuron (primisulfuron-methyl), prodiamine, profoxydim, prometon, prometryn, propachlor, propanil, propaquizafop, propazine, propham, isopropylamine propisochlor), propoxycarbazone (propoxycarbazone, propoxycarbazone-sodium), propyrisulfuron, propyzamide, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, pyraclonil, pyraflufen (pyraflufen, pyraflufen-ethyl), pyrasulfotole, pyrazolynate (pyrazolate), pyrasulfonyl zosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl), pyrazoxyfen, pyribambenz, pyribambenz-isopropyl, pyribambenz-propyl, pyribenzoxim, pyributicarb, pyridafol, pyridate, pyriftalid, pyriminobac, pyriminobac-methyl,Pyrimisulfan, pyrithiobac, pyrithiobac-sodium, pyroxasulfone, pyroxsulam, quinclorac, quinmerac, quinoclamine, quizalofop, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P, quizalofop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-ethyl p-P-tefuryl), QYM-201, QYR-301, rimsulfuron, saflufenacil, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, simetryn, SL-261, sulcotrion, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, SYN-523, SYP-249, 1- Ethoxy-3-methyl-1-oxobut-3-en-2-yl 5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoate, SYP-300, i.e., 1-[7-fluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-3-propyl-2-thioxoimidazolidine-4,5-dione, 2,3,6-TBA, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), TCA-sodium, tebuthiuron, tefuryltrione, tembotrione, tepraloxydim, terbacil, te rbucarb), terbumeton, terbuthylazin, terbutryn, tetflupyrolimet, thenylchlor, thiazopyr, thiencarbazone, thiencarbazone-methyl, thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, thiobencarb, tiafenacil, tolpyralate,Topramezone, tralkoxydim, triafamone, tri-allate, triasulfuron, triazine, tribenuron (tribenuron, tribenuron-methyl), triclopyr, trietazine, trifloxysulfuron, trifloxysulfuron-sodium, trifludimoxazin, trifluralin, triflusulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron, urea sulfate, vernolate, ZJ-0862 (3,4-dichloro-N-{2-[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)oxy]benzyl}aniline. ,

[0051] Examples of plant growth regulators are:

[0052] Acibenzolar, acibenzolar-S-methyl, 5-aminolevulinic acid, ancymidol, 6-benzylaminopurine, brassinolid, catechine, chlormequat chloride, cloprop, cyclanilide, 3-(cycloprop-1-enyl)propionic acid, daminozide, dazomethane, n-decanol, dikegulac, dikegulac-sodium, endothal, endothal dipotassium, endothal disodium, endothal mono(N,N-dimethylalkylammonium), ethephon, flumetralin, chlorfenapyr, butyl fluorenol, flurprimidol, forchlorfenuron, gibberellic acid acid), inabenfide, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 4-indol-3-ylbutyric acid, isoprothiolane, probenazole, jasmonic acid, maleic hydrazide, mepiquat chloride, 1-methylcyclopropene, methyl jasmonate, 2-(1-naphthyl)acetamide, 1-naphthylacetic acid, 2-naphthyloxyacetic acid, nitrophenolate-mixture, paclobutrazol, N-(2-phenylethyl)-β-aminopropionic acid, N-phenylphthalamic acid acid), prohexadione, prohexadione calcium, prohydrojasmone, salicylic acid, strigolactone, tecnazene, thidiazuron, triacontanol, trinexapac (trinexapac, trinexapac-ethyl), tsitodef, uniconazole, and uniconazole-P.

[0053] In one embodiment, when the herbicide combination used in the context of the present invention consists of compound (a) diflufenicol and compound (b), it means that in this case, the herbicide combination of the present invention or the composition of the present invention comprising the herbicide combination does not contain any other (i.e. no additional) herbicidal active ingredients; preferably, does not contain any other agrochemically active compounds.

[0054] The active compound combinations according to the invention and the compositions according to the invention comprising the active compound combinations can be formulated in a variety of ways, depending on the biological and / or chemico-physical parameters prevailing. The following are examples of generally possible formulations: wettable powders (WP), water-soluble concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates (EC), aqueous solutions (SL), emulsions (EW), for example oil-in-water emulsions or water-in-oil emulsions, sprayable solutions or sprayable emulsions, suspension concentrates (SC), oil dispersants (OD), oil-based or water-based dispersants, suspoemulsions, dusts (DP), seed dressing materials, granules for soil application or for broadcasting, water-dispersible granules (WG), ULV preparations, microcapsules or waxes.

[0055] Each type of preparation is known in principle and is described, for example:

[0056] Winnacker-Küchler, "Chemische Technologie", Volume 7; C. Hauser VerlagMunich, 4th Edition, 1986; van Valkenburg, "Pesticide Formulations", Marcel Dekker NY, 1973; K. Martens, "Spray Drying Handbook", 3rd Edition, 1979, G. Goodwin Ltd. London.

[0057] The required formulation auxiliaries (e.g., inert materials, surfactants, solvents and other additives) are also known and described, for example, in: Watkins, "Handbook of Insecticide Dust Diluents and Carriers", 2nd edition, Darland Books, Caldwell NJ; HvOlphen, "Introduction to Clay Colloid Chemistry", 2nd edition, J. Wiley & Sons, NY Marsden; "Solvents Guide", 2nd edition, Interscience, NY 1950; McCutcheon's, "Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual", MCPubl.Corp., Ridgewood NJ; Sisley and Wood, "Encyclopedia of Surface Active Agents", Chem.Publ.Co.Inc., NY 1964; " "[Surface-active ethylene oxide adducts], Wiss. Verlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart 1976, Winnacker-Küchler, "Chemische Technologie", Volume 7, C. Hauser Verlag Munich, 4th edition, 1986.

[0058] According to these formulations, combinations with other agrochemically active substances (e.g. other herbicides not belonging to the same class as compound (a) defined in the context of the present invention), fungicides or insecticides, as well as safeners, fertilizers and / or growth regulators can also be prepared; for example, in the form of a premix or tank mix.

[0059] Wettable powders (sprayable powders) are products which are uniformly dispersible in water and which, in addition to the active compounds, contain ionic or nonionic surfactants (wetting agents, dispersants), such as polyethoxylated alkylphenols, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols or fatty amines, alkyl sulfonates or alkylbenzene sulfonates, sodium ligninsulfonate, sodium 2,2'-dinaphthylmethane-6,6'-disulfonate, sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate or sodium oleoylmethyltaurate, and diluents or inert materials.

[0060] Emulsifiable concentrates are prepared by dissolving the active compound in an organic solvent (e.g., butanol, cyclohexanone, dimethylformamide, xylene or aromatic or hydrocarbon compounds with a relatively high boiling point) and adding one or more ionic or nonionic surfactants (emulsifiers). Examples of emulsifiers that can be used are calcium salts of alkylarylsulfonic acids, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, or nonionic emulsifiers, such as fatty acid polyglycol esters, alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, propylene oxide / ethylene oxide condensates, alkyl polyethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters or polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters.

[0061] Dusts are obtained by grinding the active compound with finely divided solid materials, for example talc, natural clays such as kaolin, bentonite and pyrophyllite, or diatomaceous earth.

[0062] Suspension concentrates (SC) can be water-based or oil-based. They can be prepared, for example, by wet grinding using a commercially available bead mill and, if appropriate, by adding surfactants (as already mentioned, for example, above in the case of the other formulation types).

[0063] Emulsions, for example oil-in-water emulsions (EW), can be prepared by means of stirrers, colloid mills and / or static mixers using aqueous organic solvents and, if appropriate, further surfactants (as already mentioned, for example, above in the context of the other formulation types).

[0064] Granules can be prepared by spraying the active compound onto an adsorptive granular inert material, or applying the active compound concentrate to the surface of a carrier (e.g., sand, kaolinite, or granular inert material) with the aid of a binder (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, or mineral oil). Suitable active compounds can also be granulated in a conventional manner for preparing fertilizer granules, and if necessary, prepared as a mixture with a fertilizer. Typically, water-dispersible granules are prepared by conventional methods, such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, pan granulation, mixing with a high-speed mixer, and extrusion without solid inert materials. For the preparation of pan granules, fluidized bed granules, extruder granules, and spray granules, see, for example: "Spray-Drying Handbook" 3rd edition, 1979, G. Goodwin Ltd., London; JE Browning, "Agglomeration", Chemical and Engineering, 1967, 147 pages, etc.; "Perry's Chemical Engineer's Handbook", 5th edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1973, 8-57 pages.

[0065] For further details on the formulation of crop protection products, see, for example: GC Klingmam, "Weed Control as a Science", John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1961, pp. 81-96; JD Freyer, SA Evans, "Weed Control Handbook", 5th edition, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1968, pp. 101-103.

[0066] Typically, agrochemical formulations contain 1 to 95% by weight of active compound, the following concentrations being customary, depending on the type of formulation:

[0067] The concentration of the active compound in the wettable powder is, for example, about 10-95% by weight, the remainder to 100% by weight being composed of conventional formulation ingredients. In the case of emulsifiable concentrates, the concentration of the active compound can reach, for example, 5-80% by weight. In most cases, the formulation in the form of a powder contains 5-20% by weight of the active compound, and the sprayable solution contains about 0.2-25% by weight of the active compound. In the case of granules such as dispersible granules, the content of the active compound depends in part on whether the active compound is present in liquid or solid form, and what granulation aids and fillers are used. Typically, in the case of water-dispersible granules, the content reaches 10-90% by weight.

[0068] In addition, the above-mentioned active compound preparations may, if appropriate, contain conventional adhesives, wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, preservatives, antifreeze agents, solvents, fillers, colorants, carriers, antifoams, evaporation inhibitors, pH regulators or viscosity regulators.

[0069] The herbicidal action of the herbicide combination of the present invention can be enhanced by the following substances: for example, surfactants, preferably wetting agents selected from fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers. Fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers preferably contain 10 to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol group and 2 to 20 ethylene oxide units in the polyglycol ether group. Fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers can be non-ionic or ionic, for example in the form of fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates (for example, as alkali metal salts (for example sodium salts or potassium salts) or ammonium salts, and can also be used as alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium salts), for example C12 / C14-fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether sodium sulfate ( LRO, Clariant); see, for example: EP-A-0476555, EP-A-0048436, EP-A-0336151 or US-A-4,400,196 and Proc. EWRS Symp. "Factors Affecting Herbicidal Activity and Selectivity", 227-232 (1988). Nonionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers are, for example, (C10-C18)-, preferably (C10-C14)-fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers containing 2 to 20, preferably 3 to 15 ethylene oxide units (e.g. isotridecanol polyglycol ether), for example from Series, such as X-030, X-060, X-080 or X-150 (both from Clariant GmbH).

[0070] The invention also relates to an active compound combination comprising compounds (a) and (b) as defined above and a wetting agent as described above, compounds (a) and (b) as active ingredients, the wetting agent being selected from fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, which preferably contain 10 to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol radical and 2 to 20 ethylene oxide units in the polyglycol ether radical, and which may be present in nonionic or ionic form (e.g. as fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfate). Preferably sodium C12 / C14-fatty alcohol diglycol ether sulfate ( LRO, Clariant) and isotridecanol polyglycol ethers having 3 to 15 ethylene oxide units, e.g. from X series, such as X-030, X-060, X-080 or X-150 (both from Clariant GmbH). Furthermore, it is known that fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, such as nonionic or ionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers (e.g. fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates), are also suitable as penetrants and activity enhancers for many other herbicides, in particular herbicides from the class of imidazolinones (see, for example, EP-A-0502014).

[0071] Furthermore, it is known that fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, such as nonionic or ionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers (eg fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates), are also suitable as penetrants and synergists for many other herbicides, in particular herbicides from the class of imidazolinones (see, for example, EP-A-0502014).

[0072] The use of vegetable oils can also increase the herbicidal effect of the herbicide combination of the present invention. The term vegetable oil is understood to mean oils from oil plant species (e.g. soybean oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, safflower oil or castor oil, in particular rapeseed oil) and their transesterification products (e.g. alkyl esters, such as rapeseed oil methyl ester or rapeseed oil ethyl ester).

[0073] The vegetable oils are preferably esters of C10-C22-fatty acids, preferably esters of C12-C20-fatty acids. C10-C22-fatty acid esters are, for example, esters of unsaturated or saturated C10-C22-fatty acids, in particular those with an even number of carbon atoms, such as erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, and in particular C18-fatty acids, such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid.

[0074] Preferred C1-C20-alkyl-C10-C22-fatty acid esters are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-ethylhexyl and dodecyl esters. Preferred ethylene glycol- and glycerol-C10-C22-fatty acid esters are homogeneous or mixed ethylene glycol esters and glycerol esters of C10-C22-fatty acids, in particular those fatty acids with an even number of carbon atoms, for example erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, and in particular C18-fatty acids, for example stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid.

[0075] In the herbicidal compositions of the invention, the vegetable oils may be present in the form of, for example, commercially available additives for oily formulations, in particular those based on rapeseed oil, e.g. (Victorian Chemical Company, Australia, hereinafter referred to as Hasten, main ingredient: rapeseed oil ethyl ester), (Novance, France, hereinafter referred to as Actirob B, main ingredient: rapeseed oil methyl ester), Rako- (Bayer AG, Germany, hereinafter referred to as Rako-Binol, main ingredient: rapeseed oil), (Stefes, Germany, hereinafter referred to as Renol, vegetable oil component: rapeseed oil methyl ester) or Stefes (Stefes, Germany, hereinafter referred to as Mero, main component: rapeseed oil methyl ester).

[0076] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a combination of a herbicide combination as defined in the context of the present invention and a vegetable oil as described above. Therefore, in another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a herbicide combination as defined in the context of the present invention, said composition comprising a vegetable oil as described above, such as rapeseed oil, preferably in the form of commercially available oil-containing formulation additives, in particular those based on rapeseed oil, such as (Victorian Chemical Company, Australia, hereinafter referred to as Hasten, main ingredient: rapeseed oil ethyl ester), (Novance, France, hereinafter referred to as Actirob B, main ingredient: rapeseed oil methyl ester), Rako- (Bayer AG, Germany, hereinafter referred to as Rako-Binol, main ingredient: rapeseed oil), (Stefes, Germany, hereinafter referred to as Renol, vegetable oil component: rapeseed oil methyl ester) or Stefes (Stefes, Germany, hereinafter referred to as Mero, main component: rapeseed oil methyl ester).

[0077] For use, the commercially available formulations are optionally diluted in a customary manner, for example with water in the case of wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, dispersible concentrates and water-dispersible granules. Formulations in the form of dusts, soil granules, granules for spreading and sprayable solutions are usually not diluted with further inert substances before use.

[0078] The active compounds can be applied to plants, plant parts, seeds of plants or cultivated areas (field soil), preferably to green plants and plant parts and, if appropriate, additionally to field soil.

[0079] The invention furthermore relates to a method for controlling unwanted vegetation, characterized in that the active compound combination according to the invention or the composition according to the invention is allowed to act on or is applied to the unwanted vegetation and / or their habitat.

[0080] In the context of the present invention, "control" means that the growth of unwanted plants is significantly reduced compared to untreated unwanted plants. Preferably, the growth of unwanted plants is significantly reduced (60-79%); more preferably, the growth of unwanted plants is mostly or completely inhibited (80-100%); in particular, the growth of unwanted plants is almost completely or completely inhibited (90-100%).

[0081] The harmful plants include the following weed species: Ageratum spp., Calopogonium spp., Alternanthera spp., Boreiria spp., Commelina spp., Chromolaena spp., Mimosa spp., Tridax spp., Brachiaria spp., Platostomoma spp., Digitaria spp., Synedrella spp., Panicum spp., Cyperus spp., Imperata spp. spp.), Cynodon spp., Pennisetum spp., Mariscus spp., Euphorbia spp., Talinum spp., Pteridium spp., Melinis spp., Sida spp., Portulaca spp., Rottboellia spp., Sorghum spp., Ipomea spp., Dactyloctenium spp., Spigelia spp., Boerhaavia spp., Aspilia spp., Aneilima spp., Hyparrhenia spp., Andropogons spp., Paspalum spp., Rhynchelytrum spp., Eleusine spp., Setaria spp., Triumfetta spp., Stachytarpheta spp., Desmodium spp., Gomphrena spp., Tephrosia spp., Acanthospermum spp., Hyptis spp., Cenchrus spp.), Urena spp., Vernonia spp., Cleome spp., Crotalaria spp., Kyllinga spp., Corchorus spp., Ipomoea spp., Mitracarpus spp., Melanthera spp., Centrosema spp., Emilia spp., Croton spp., Phyllanthus spp., Passiflora spp., Axonopus spp., Oldenlandia spp., Schwenckia spp., Acalypha spp., Solenostemon spp., Celosia spp., Indigofera spp., Heterotis spp., Acmella spp., Leucaena spp., Boerhavia spp., Spermacoce spp., Oplismenus spp., and Fimbristylis spp.

[0082] In particular, the herbicide combination as defined herein or the composition comprising the herbicide combination as defined herein is used for controlling one, several or all harmful plants selected from the following weed species: Ageratum species, Cynanchum species, Alternanthera species, Floribunda species, Commelina species, Eupatorium species, Mimosa species, Acanthus species, Brachiaria species, Herba Cinerariae species, Digitaria species, Chrysanthemi species, Panicum species, Cyperus species, White Species of Imperata, Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetum, Brick Seedling, Euphorbia, Panax ginseng, Fern, Treacle Grass, Acanthus, Portulaca, Imperata, Sorghum, Dioscorea, Imperata, Synechia, Yellow Heart, Desmodium, Globe Amaranth, Acacia, Echinops, Fern, Tribulus, Brahma, Vernonia and Cleome.

[0083] In particular, some representatives of the monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed flora which can be controlled by the combination according to the invention may be mentioned.

[0084] More specifically, the herbicide combination as defined herein or a composition comprising the herbicide combination as defined herein can be used to combat: Ageratum conyzoides, Calopogonium mucunoides, Alternanthera sessilis, Boreiria ocymoides, Commelina erecta, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa invisa, Commelinabenghalensis, Tridax procumbens, Brachiaria delfexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria adscendens, Digitaria horizontalis, Synedrella nodiflora, Panicum maximum, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus, Imperata cylindrica), Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetum polystachion, Pennisetum purpureum, Pennisetum violaceum, Mariscus alternifolius, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Talinum triangulare, Pteridium aquilinum, Melinis ninutiflora, Sida acuta, Sida rhombifolia, Commelina diffusa, Portulaca oleraceae, Rottboellia exaltata, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Sorghum halepense, Ipomea triloba), Dactylocteniumaegyptium, Brachiara lata, Spigeliaanthemia), Boerhaaviaerecta, Aspilia africana, Aneilima beniniense, Hyparrhenia involucrate, Andropogon gayanus, Paspalum conjugatum, Paspalum orbiculatum, Rhynchelytrum repens, Eleusine indica, Setaria barbata, Setaria megaphylla, Triumfetta cordifolia, Stachytarpheta cayennensis, Desmodium scorpiurus, Gomphrena celosioides, Tephrosia bracteolata, Acanthospermum hispidum, Hyptis suaveolens), Cenchrus biflorus, Urena lobata, Vernonia ambigua, Cleome viscosa, Cuscuta australis, Corchorus olitorius, Mitracarpus villosus, Melanthera scandens, Centrosema pubescens, Emilia coccinea, Croton hirtus, Phyllanthus amarus, Corchorus trilocularis, Passiflora foetida, Ipomoea involucrate, Axonopus compressus, Oldenlandia corymbosa, Acalypha ciliata, Schwenckia americana, Solenostemonmonostachyus, Celosia trigyna, Indigoferahirsute, Heterotis rotundifolia, Acmella brachyglossa, Leucaenaleucocephala, Boerhavia diffusa, Spermacoce ocymoides, Oplismenus burmannii, Fimbristylis littoralis, Cyperus iris, and Kyllinga erecta.

[0085] The active compound combination or composition according to the invention can be used to combat any unwanted vegetation, but it is particularly effective against plants selected from the group consisting of Polygonum convolvulus, Solanum nigrum, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Abuthilontheophrasti, Setaria viridis, Echinochloa maxima, Urochloa maxima, maize and Laminum amplexicaule.

[0086] According to the invention, the active compound combination or composition of the invention can be applied in divided applications over time. Another possibility is to apply the individual compounds (a) and (b) or the active compound combination as defined herein in portions (sequential application), for example, after application before emergence, followed by application after emergence, or after application in the early post-emergence period, followed by application in the middle or late post-emergence period.

[0087] Preferably, the compounds (a) and (b) as defined herein are administered simultaneously or almost simultaneously. In the latter case, almost simultaneous administration of compounds (a) and (b) as defined herein means administration of compounds (a) and (b) within 24 hours, preferably within 12 hours, more preferably within 6 hours, even more preferably within 3 hours.

[0088] In a particularly preferred embodiment, compounds (a) and (b) as defined herein are used together, ie simultaneously. Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a composition comprising compounds (a) and (b) as defined herein is used.

[0089] The invention also relates to a process for preparing a composition, characterized in that the active compound combination according to the invention is mixed with at least one auxiliary, or compounds (a) and (b) are mixed in the ratios as described elsewhere in the application with at least one auxiliary.

[0090] The present invention also relates to a kit comprising synergistically effective amounts of compounds (a) and (b) as defined herein arranged in spatially separated amounts.

[0091] Finally, the invention relates to the use of the active compound combination according to the invention or the composition according to the invention as a herbicide, preferably against at least foxtail grass, barnyard grass, millet and corn.

[0092] The following examples illustrate the invention in a non-limiting manner.

[0093] 1. Products used

[0094] The following active compounds were tested:

[0095] Product PeAc, containing 249.96 g ai / L nonanoic acid, EC preparation

[0096] Product DFF, containing 500g ai / L diflufenicol, formulated as SC formulation

[0097] Product IAF, containing 200 g ai / L indoxazolidinone, formulated as SC formulation

[0098] 2. Biological experiments

[0099] Herbicidal effect (field test)

[0100] The biological test was conducted by field trials, in which various weed species were sown in rows and grown under natural outdoor conditions. Abutilon, Chenopodium album, Polygonum convolvulus, Setaria viridis, Echinochloa crusgalli, Panicum chinense and corn were sown and applied after most of the emergence when they reached the following BBCH growth stages: 16, 16, 16, 22, 22, 22 and 15, respectively. They were treated with various doses (as described below) of the composition of the present invention at a water application rate of 300 L / ha.

[0101] The growth stages of different weed or crop plant species are shown in the following BBCH monographs:

[0102] "Growth stages of mono- and dicotyledonous plants", 2nd edition, 2001, editor: Uwe Meier, Federal Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (Biologische Bundesanstalt für Land und Forstwirtschaft). The individual BBCH stages of the different weed or crop plant species are indicated in brackets, and the majority of the BBCH stages for the respective weed or crop plant species are shown.

[0103] After the respective treatments, the herbicidal activity was scored visually by comparing the treated plots with the untreated control plots at 13 days after application (DAA). Damage and development of all above-ground parts of the plants were recorded. Scoring (rating) was performed on a percentage scale (100% action = all plant death; 50% action = 50% reduction in green plant biomass, 0% action = no recognizable effect = similar to the control plot). The tables reflect the observations after a certain period of time after the start of the treatment, expressed in days (referred to as DAA = days after application).

[0104] The dosage rate of the herbicidal ingredient used in each case is indicated in brackets for the respective active ingredient and refers to the amount of active ingredient per hectare (gai / ha).

[0105] 3. Calculation

[0106] The effect of applying the composition of the present invention to weeds generally exceeds the sum of the effects of applying the single herbicides contained in the composition. Alternatively, in some cases, the composition of the present invention requires a lower application rate to achieve the desired effect against weeds than a single compound.

[0107] This increase in efficacy or reduction in application rate is a strong indication of a synergistic effect.

[0108] The stronger herbicidal activity of the active compound combinations according to the invention is demonstrated by the following examples. The activity of the combinations according to the invention exceeds the simple addition of the activities of the individual compounds.

[0109] A synergistic effect of herbicides is always present when the herbicidal activity of the active compound combination exceeds the sum of the activities of the active compounds when applied individually. The expected activity of a given combination of two active compounds can be calculated as follows (according to the Colby formula) (see: Colby, SR, "Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations", Weeds 1967, 15, 20-22):

[0110] if

[0111] A is the efficacy in % when the active compound A is applied at an application rate of a (g ai / ha), B is the efficacy in % when the active compound B is applied at an application rate of b (g ai / ha),

[0112] EC is the efficacy in % when active compounds A and B are applied at an application rate of a+b (g ai / ha), respectively,

[0113] So

[0114] EC=A+B-((X·Y) / 100).

[0115] The degree of efficacy is expressed in %. 0% means an efficacy which corresponds to that of the control, whereas an efficacy of 100% means that no disease is observed.

[0116] If the actual herbicidal activity exceeds the calculated value, the activity of the combination is superadditive, i.e. there is a synergistic effect. In this case, the actual observed efficacy must be greater than the value of the expected efficacy (EC) calculated by the above formula.

[0117] Another way to demonstrate synergistic effects is the method of Tammes (see: “Isoboles, a graphic representation of synergismin pesticides”, Neth. J. Plant Path., 1964, 70, 73-80).

[0118] The present invention is illustrated by the following examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0119] The observed value (EA) of the experiment showed that at appropriately low doses, the effect of the combination was higher than the expected value (EC) calculated according to Colby.

[0120] 4. Herbicidal activity of a composition comprising diflufenicol and nonanoic acid

[0121]

[0122] Table 1: Effects on Polygonum convolvulus

[0123]

[0124]

[0125] Table 2: Effect on Ramie

[0126]

[0127] Table 3: Effect on Chenopodium album

[0128]

[0129] Table 4: Effect on Setaria viridis

[0130]

[0131] Table 5: Effect on barnyard grass

[0132]

[0133] Table 6: Effects on millet

[0134]

[0135]

[0136] Table 7: Effects on corn

[0137] 5. Herbicidal effect of a composition comprising diflufenicol, nonanoic acid and indoxazolidinone

[0138] The Colby formula for the combination with three active ingredients is as follows:

[0139] EC=A+B+C-[((A·B)+(A·C)+(B·C)] / 100)+(A·B·C / 10000)

[0140]

[0141] Table 8: Effect on Polygonum convolvulus

[0142]

[0143] Table 9: Effect on Chenopodium album

[0144]

[0145]

[0146] Table 10: Effect on Setaria viridis

[0147]

[0148] Table 11: Effect on barnyard grass

[0149]

[0150]

[0151] Table 12: Effects on millet

[0152]

[0153] Table 13: Effects on corn

Claims

1. An active compound combination comprising Compound (a) diflufenicol, and, Compound (b) nonanoic acid or an ester or salt thereof; in, Compound (a) and compound (b) are present in a weight ratio of 1:20 to 1:

500.

2. An active compound combination comprising Compound (a) diflufenicol, Compound (b) nonanoic acid or its ester or salt, Compound (c) indoxazine fluazifop; in, Compound (a) and compound (b) are present in a weight ratio of 1:20 to 1:

500.

3. The active compound combination according to claim 2, wherein the indoxazolidinone is its (1R)-1-fluoroethyl diastereomer.

4. The active compound combination according to claim 1, wherein the compound (b) is nonanoic acid, ammonium nonanoate, methyl nonanoate, ethyl nonanoate, propyl nonanoate, isopropyl nonanoate, sodium nonanoate or potassium nonanoate.

5. The active compound combination according to claim 2, wherein the compound (b) is nonanoic acid, ammonium nonanoate, methyl nonanoate, ethyl nonanoate, propyl nonanoate, isopropyl nonanoate, sodium nonanoate or potassium nonanoate.

6. The active compound combination according to claim 1, wherein the compound (b) is nonanoic acid.

7. The active compound combination according to claim 2, wherein the compound (b) is nonanoic acid.

8. The active compound combination according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein compound (a) and compound (b) are present in a weight ratio of 1:30 to 1:

500.

9. The active compound combination according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein compound (a) and compound (b) are present in a weight ratio of 1:40 to 1:

500.

10. The active compound combination according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein compound (a) and compound (b) are present in a weight ratio of 1:40 to 3:

800.

11. The active compound combination according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein compound (a) and compound (b) are present in a weight ratio of 1:40 to 1:

267.

12. The active compound combination of claim 2, wherein compound (a), compound (b) and compound (c) are present in a weight ratio of compound (a):compound (b):compound (c) of 1:100:1 to 20:2000:

1.

13. The active compound combination of claim 2, wherein compound (a), compound (b) and compound (c) are present in a weight ratio of compound (a):compound (b):compound (c) of 3:200:1 to 18:1800:

1.

14. The active compound combination of claim 2, wherein compound (a), compound (b) and compound (c) are present in a weight ratio of compound (a):compound (b):compound (c) of 3.6:240:1 to 15:1600:

1.

15. Synergistic active compound combination comprising the active compound combination according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A composition comprising the active compound combination according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and at least one auxiliary.

17. A method for controlling unwanted vegetation, characterized in that The active compound combination according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or the composition according to claim 16 is allowed to act on or applied to plants and / or their growth environment.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the unwanted plants are selected from the group consisting of Polygonum convolvulus, Solanum nigrum, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Abutilon, Setaria viridis, Echinochloa crusgalli, Panicum truncatum, Zea mays, and Lamium sutchuenensis.

19. A method for preparing a composition, characterized in that The active compound combination according to any of claims 1 to 15 is mixed with at least one auxiliary.

20. Use of the active compound combination according to any of claims 1 to 15 or the composition according to claim 16 as herbicide.

21. A kit comprising in synergistically effective amounts and in a spatially separated arrangement Compound (a) diflufenicol, and, Compound (b) nonanoic acid or an ester or salt thereof; in, Compound (a) and compound (b) are present in a weight ratio of 1:20 to 1:500.

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