Fungicidal mixture compositions comprising sulfur

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mixture combination of active compounds comprising: an effective amount of sulfur; an effective amount of at least one fungicide or a salt thereof, these mixtures in combination for combating or preventing fungal diseases in crop plants. Also disclosed are methods of controlling mites or insects comprising administering the combination.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 319,408, filed March 14, 2022; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of the documents and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a mixture combination of active compounds, which comprises: an effective amount of sulfur; an effective amount of at least one fungicide or its salt, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, and these mixture combinations are used to combat or prevent fungal diseases of crop plants. Also disclosed are methods for controlling mites or insects, which methods comprise applying the combination. Background Art

[0004] Elemental sulfur has long been known as a powerful pesticide. Sulfur exists primarily in its elemental form, and formulations (i.e., granules, pellets, powders, etc.) are known to provide sulfur for use as a fertilizer or pesticide. Sulfur is used not only as a fungicide, but also as a supplemental plant nutrient. Sulfur formulations alone are considered to be moderately effective against various fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or gray mold.

[0005] The vulnerability of crops to fungal diseases makes fungal disease management one of the main components of the entire crop production system. Various fungi are very harmful to crop plants and may significantly reduce crop yield and quality. Active substances such as sulfur or other fungicides are compounds of natural or synthetic origin that play a role in protecting plants from damage caused by fungi. Although the use of fungicides in agriculture brings benefits such as crop protection and improved productivity, due to the potential health risks associated with the intensive use of agrochemicals, it is currently still hoped to reduce the amount of fungicides used in the field. In addition, the repeated use of a single fungicide usually leads to resistance to a specific fungicide or fungicide group.

[0006] The biological properties of the known compounds are not entirely satisfactory in the field of plant disease control, environmental and worker exposure, for example, in particular, it has been observed that pathogens become resistant to pesticides, which are sometimes applied at higher doses to achieve the desired control, leading to soil toxicity and other environmental hazards, in addition to higher costs. Another important problem associated with fungal attack is the loss of nutrients, which leads to a decrease in the overall yield of the crop.

[0007] Combinations of fungicides or mixtures of one or more fungicides with other crop protection chemicals are typically used to expand the control spectrum through additive effects, minimize the dosage of chemicals used, delay the development of resistance and reduce treatment costs. Although many combinations of a fungicide with one or more crop protection chemicals have been studied, synergistic effects are rarely obtained.

[0008] There are some documents on fungicidal mixtures containing sulfur. EP 2667720 discloses pesticidal compositions containing sulfur, fungicides and agrochemical excipients. Ene et al. (Stiinte Agricole Si Silvice [Agricultural and Forestry Sciences], 23, 1990, pp. 285-293) relate to the use of ziram in place of mancozeb in fungicide mixtures against wheat leaf disease at high concentrations or in combination with sulfur. FR 2585539 relates to a new combination fungicide comprising cymoxanil and wettable sulfur. Pauwels et al. (Mededelingen Van De Faculteit Landbouwwetenschappen [Communications of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences], 31, 2, 1976, pp. 687-682) relate to the use of thiophanate-methyl and thiophanate-methyl, maneb and sulfur to control cereal diseases.

[0009] Practical agricultural experience has shown that the repeated and exclusive application of individual active compounds (such as sulphur) in fungus control in many cases leads to the selection of those fungi which have developed natural or adaptive resistance to the active compound in question. It is then no longer possible to effectively control these fungi using the active compound in question.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for selective mixtures of sulfur with other fungicidal compounds that help prevent or overcome resistance. In order to reduce the risk of fungi developing resistance to certain active compounds, mixtures of different fungicidal chemicals are nowadays often used to control various fungi. By judiciously combining active compounds with different mechanisms of action, successful control can be ensured over a relatively long period of time.

[0011] Active agent mixtures are described in the literature. However, the control of fungi does not always meet the needs of agricultural practice. In addition, the efficacy of the mixtures is not completely satisfactory in terms of fungal control and / or toxicological and / or environmental impact. Random pesticidal compositions and mixtures do not exert a satisfactory control effect in most cases, and therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new pesticidal mixtures with one or more crop protection chemicals that have some satisfactory control effect.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide mixtures and compositions of judiciously selected crop protection chemicals which have improved activity against harmful fungi when applied with a reduced total amount of active compound. The object of the present invention is to provide an expanded activity spectrum with prolonged control. A further object of the present invention is to provide mixtures and compositions comprising sulphur which provide effective resistance management and fungal control at the lowest possible application rates. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is also to provide mixtures and compositions of judiciously selected crop protection chemicals for controlling mites or insects, comprising applying said mixtures of said chemicals.

[0013] The present invention is directed to the discovery that mixtures comprising sulfur and at least one additional crop protection chemical are synergistically effective and that simultaneous application (i.e., together or separately, or sequentially) allows better control of fungi than is possible using the individual compounds alone, thereby providing a synergistic result and solving at least one of the challenges in the prior art by reducing dosage rates or enhancing the spectrum of activity with prolonged control or facilitating resistance management, resulting in an increase in the overall yield of the crop.

[0014] In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed to fungicidal mixture combinations of sulfur-containing crop protection chemicals that exhibit synergistic enhancement, a broader spectrum of fungicidal and insecticidal activity, and reduced handling costs. Summary of the invention

[0015] We have rationally found that the objects as described above are achieved in whole or in part by a combination of active compounds as defined below.

[0016] The present invention relates to a fungicidal mixture composition comprising the following as active compounds:

[0017] i) an effective amount of sulfur; and

[0018] ii) an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0019] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0020] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantene fluconazole, fluoxytioconazole and prothioconazole,

[0021] Wherein the amount of sulfur and the amount of fungicide when applied together are more effective in treating plants or soil against fungal infection than when the same amount of each fungicide is applied alone.

[0022] The mixture combination of the present invention may be a synergistic mixture.

[0023] The present invention also provides a fungicidal composition comprising any one of the combinations or mixtures disclosed herein.

[0024] The present invention also provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection, which method comprises applying an effective amount of any one of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to plants, plant propagation materials or soil, so as to thereby treat the plants or soil to resist fungal infection.

[0025] The present invention also provides a method of treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection, the method comprising applying to the plant, plant propagation material or soil:

[0026] (i) an effective amount of sulfur; and

[0027] ii) an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0028] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0029] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0030] so as to thereby treat plants or soil against fungal infections,

[0031] Wherein the amount of sulfur and the amount of fungicide are more effective for treating plants or soil against fungal infection when applied together than when the same amount of each fungicide is applied alone.

[0032] The present invention also provides a method of treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection, the method comprising applying to the plant, plant propagation material or soil:

[0033] (i) an effective amount of sulfur; and

[0034] ii) an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0035] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0036] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0037] to thereby treat plants or soil against fungal infection, wherein the amount of sulphur applied is less than the fungicidally effective amount of sulphur when applied alone, and / or

[0038] The amount of fungicide applied is less than the fungicidally effective amount of the fungicide when the fungicide is used alone.

[0039] The present invention also provides the use of any of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein for combating phytopathogenic diseases and mites on crop plants.

[0040] The invention also provides the use of any of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein for treating plants or soil to combat fungal infection.

[0041] The present invention also provides a method of treating plants or soil against fungal infection, the fungus being selected from the group consisting of: Moniliophthora roreri (Frosty pod), Moniliophthora perniciosa (Witches' broom), Microdochium sp. (Seedling blight), Botryosphaeria dothidea (Botryosphaeria Panicle and Shoot Blight), Phyllosticta ampelicida (Black rot), Mycosphaerella fijiensis or preferably Pseudocercospora fijiensis (Black sigatoka), Zymoseptoria oleracea (Zymoseptoria oleracea), tritici (Septoria tritici blotch - STB), Ramularia collo-cygni (Ramularia leaf spot), Cercospora zeae-maydis (Gray Leaf Spot), Ramularia areola (Ramularia leaf spot), Cercospora beticola (Beet Leaf Spot), Ramularia beticola (Ramularia leaf spot), Pseudocercospora musae (Yellow sigatoka), Mycosphaerella arachidis (Early leaf spot), Mycosphaerella berkeleyi (Mycosphaerella berkeleyi (Late leaf spot), Mycosphaerella pyri (Ashy leaf spot of pear), Cercospora sp.)(Leaf spot), Septoria glycines (Septoria brown spot), Cercospora kikuchii (Purple Seed Stain), Cladosporium sp. (Scab), Pseudocercospora cantuariensis (Leaf spot of hop), Neopseudocercosporella capsellae (White leaf spot), Cercospora nicotianae (Barn spot), Rhizoctonia solani / Thanatephorus cucumeris (Sheath Blight), Rizoctonia, Damping off), Rhizoctonia root and crown rot), Erythricium salmonicolor (Pink Disease), Diaporthe neoviticola (Dead-arm), Kabatiella zeae (Eyespot), Blumeria graminis (Powdery mildew), Erysiphe cichoracearum (Powdery Mildew), Sphaerothecafuliginea (Powdery Mildew), Erysiphe necator (Powdery Mildew), Podosphaera macularis (Powdery Mildew), Podosphaera leucotricha (Powdery Mildew), Oidium neolycopersici (powdery mildew), Erysiphe betae / Erysiphe polygoni (powdery mildew), Erysiphe sp.) (powdery mildew), Podosphaera pannosa (powdery mildew), Peronospora tabacina (Downy mildew), Guignardia bidwellii (black rot), Leveillula taurica (powdery mildew), Erysiphe cruciferarum (powdery mildew), Erysiphe diffusa (powdery mildew), Aspergillus sp. (Aspergillus ear rot), Pyrenopeziza brassicae (Lightleaf Spot), Phlyctema vagabunda (Bark canker of apple), Blumeriella jaapii) (leaf spot), Botrytis cinerea (grey mold), Monilinia sp. (Monilia), Monilinia laxa (Monilia), Monilia fructigena (Monilia), Monilia fructicola (Monilia), Sclerotinia sp. (white mold), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Sclerotinia stem rot or white mold), Monilinia fructicola (brown rotblossom), Rhynchosporium secalis (leaf blotch of cereals), Fusarium sp.)(Fusarium head blight), Maize Ear and Kernel Rot), Neonectria galligena (Eye rot), Gibberella fujikuroi (Bakanae disease), Gibberella zeae (Giberrella stalk and ear rot), Gibberella xylarioides (Coffee Wilt Disease), Grape scab cyst (. ampelina (Anthracnose of grapevine), Phytophthora sp. (Crown and root rot), Phytophthora rapalmivora (Black pod), Phytophthora megakarya (Black pod), Phytophthora capsica (Black pod), Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Downy mildew), Plasmopara viticola (Downy mildew), Pseudoperonospora humuli (Downy mildew), Phytophthora infestans (Late blight), Peronospora viciae (Downy mildew), Phytophthora sp. (Phytophthora rapalmivora) (Black pod), Phytophthora megakarya (Black pod), Phytophthora capsica (Black pod), Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Downy mildew), Plasmopara viticola (Downy mildew), Pseudoperonospora humuli (Downy mildew), Phytophthora infestans (Late blight), Peronospora viciae (Downy mildew), Phytophthora sp. sp.) (Downy Mildew), Hyaloperonospora parasitica (Downy Mildew), Peronospora farinose (Downy Mildew), Colletotrichum kahawae (Coffee Berry Disease), Colletotrichum sp. (Anthracnose), Colletotrichum musae (Anthracnose), Colletotrichum spp.)(Anthracnose), Glomerella cingulata (Anthracnose), Colletotrichum graminicola (Anthracnose), Glomerella gossypii (Anthracnose), Glomerella cingulata (Fruitrot), Colletotrichum falcatum (Red rot), Colletotrichum destructivum (Anthracnose), Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Polystigma rubrum (Leaf spot), Plasmodiophora brassicae (Club rot), Corynespora cassiicola (Target spot), Ascochyta rabiei)(Chickpea ascochyta blight), Ascochyta gossypiicola(Boll rot), Didymella pomorum(Apple leaf spot), Ascochytapisi(Ascochyta blight of pea), Ascochyta fabae(Ascochyta blight), Didymella sp.) (Leaf and pod spot), Wilsononomyces carpophilus (Shot-hole of stone fruit), Plenodomus lingam (Phoma stem canker and leaf spot), Neocamarosporium betae (black leg of beet), Pyrenophora tritici-repentis / Drechslera tritici-repentis (Yellow spot), Pyrenophorateres (Net blotch), Setosphaeria turcica (Northern Corn Leaf Blight), Cochliobolus heterostrophus (Southern corn leaf blight), blight), Cochliobolus carbonum (northern corn leaf spot), Alternaria cucumerina (leaf blight), Alternaria alternata (Alternaria / Brown spot), Pleospora allii (Pear brown spot), Alternaria mali (Alternaria blotch of apple), Alternaria sp.)(Early blight, Leaf spot), Alternaria solani, Cochliobolus miyabeanus(Brown spot), Helminthosporium sacchari(Eye spot), Venturia inaequalis(Apple scab), Venturia pyrina(Pear scab), Venturia carpophila(Scab), Hemileia vastatrix(Coffee Leaf Rust), Phakopsora pachyrhizi(Asian soybean rust), Phakopsora gossypii(Panama wilt), Phakopsora gossypii(Tropical cotton rust), rust), Puccinia recondita (Brown rust), Puccinia striiformis (Yellow rust), Uromyces betae (Rust), Puccinia sorghi (Common Rust), Uromyces sp. (Rust), Puccinia schedonnardi (Cotton rust), Puccinia cacabata (Southwestern cotton rust), Tranzschelia sp. (Rust), Pyricularia oryzae (Rice Blast), Taphrina deformans (Leaf curl), Ustilago maydis (Common smut) Smut), Ustilago scitaminea (smut), Phaeomoniella chlamydospore (Esca of grapevine).

[0042] The most preferred target fungal diseases are wheat leaf blight (Septoria tritici), yellow rust (Puccinia streatch), brown rust (Puccinia recondita), Cylindrospermum (Cylindrospermum leaf spot) in cereals.

[0043] The most preferred target fungal diseases are powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminearum), gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), black rot (Botrytis cinerea) in grapes.

[0044] The most preferred target fungal disease is Cercospora (Cercospora betae) in sugar beet.

[0045] The most preferred target fungal diseases are apple scab (Venturiella inaequalis), powdery mildew (Umbelliferae) in pome fruit.

[0046] The present invention preferably provides a method for treating plants or soil against fungal infection, the fungus being selected from the group comprising Septoria tritici, Cylindrospermum cylindricum, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria solani and Venturia inaequalis.

[0047] The present invention also provides methods of controlling mites or insects, which methods comprise applying the combination by using any of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein, wherein the insects are selected from the group comprising: two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum).

[0048] The present invention also provides a kit comprising any one of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein.

[0049] The invention also provides a process for preparing any of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein from the individual component parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] definition

[0051] Before explaining the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms used herein. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present subject matter relates.

[0052] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed associated items. When a statement such as "at least one of..." precedes a list of elements, it modifies the entire list of elements and does not modify the individual elements in the list.

[0053] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly in contact with the other element, or intervening elements may exist between them. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0055] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Therefore, without departing from the teaching content of the embodiments of the present invention, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section.

[0056] The term "or" means "and / or". It should be further understood that the terms "comprises and / or comprising" or "includes and / or including" when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] As used herein, "about" includes the stated value and means an acceptable range of deviation for a particular value determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.

[0058] As used herein, the term "combination" means a collection of agricultural chemicals intended for application by simultaneous or contemporaneous application.

[0059] As used herein, the term "simultaneously" when used in conjunction with the application of an agrochemical means that the agrochemical is applied in the form of an admixture, such as a tank mix. For simultaneous application, the combination can be an admixture or separate containers, each containing the agrochemicals combined prior to application.

[0060] As used herein, the term "extended control" means that prolonged fungicidal activity is obtained over an extended period of time following application of one or more fungicides for controlling fungal infestation of a plant or locus, before and / or after infestation, or before and / or after damage caused by the fungus becomes apparent.

[0061] As used herein, the term "effective" when used in conjunction with the amount of a combination, mixture or composition refers to that amount of the combination, mixture or composition that achieves a good level of control of fungi, pathogens and / or diseases when applied to plants, plant propagation material, or soil.

[0062] As used herein, the term "fungicidally effective amount" refers to the amount of an active ingredient commercially recommended for controlling fungi. The commercially recommended amount of each active ingredient (usually specified as the application rate of a commercial formulation) can be found on the label accompanying the commercial formulation. The commercially recommended application rate of a commercial formulation may vary depending on factors such as the plant species and the fungi to be controlled.

[0063] As used herein, the term "treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection" includes, but is not limited to, protecting plants or soil from fungal attack, preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, and reducing fungal infection of plants or soil.

[0064] As used herein, the term "more effective for controlling fungal diseases" includes, but is not limited to, increasing the effectiveness of fungal disease control and reducing the amount of time required to achieve a given level of fungal control.

[0065] As used herein, the term "more effective for protecting plants or soil against fungal attack" includes, but is not limited to, prolonging the duration of protection against fungal attack after application and prolonging the period of protection against fungal attack.

[0066] As used herein, the term "agriculturally acceptable inert additive" is defined as any substance that is not an active ingredient itself but is added to the composition, such as thickeners, stickers, surfactants, antioxidants, defoamers and thickeners.

[0067] As used herein, the term "tank mix" means that two or more chemical pesticides or compositions are mixed in a spray tank at the time of spray application.

[0068] As used herein, the term "premix" means a composition that can be applied directly to plants after dilution. The composition comprises a combination of active ingredients. The term "mixture" or "combination" refers to, but is not limited to, a combination in any physical form, such as a blend, solution, alloy, etc.

[0069] As used herein, the term "plant" or "crop" includes reference to complete plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, stems, branches, buds, fruits, etc.), plant cells or plant seeds. This term also includes plant crops such as fruits. The term "plant" can also include its propagation material, which can include all reproductive parts of the plant, such as seeds, and nutrient plant materials that can be used to proliferate plants, such as cuttings and tubers. The term can also include spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts, basal branches, runners, and buds and other parts of the plant, including seedlings and young plants, which will be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil.

[0070] As used herein, the term "locus" includes a habitat, breeding area, plants, breeding material, soil, area, material or environment where a pest is growing or may grow.

[0071] As used herein, the term "cultivated plants" includes plants that have been modified by breeding, mutagenesis or genetic engineering. Genetically modified plants are plants whose genetic material has been modified using recombinant DNA techniques. Typically, one or more genes have been integrated into the genetic material of such plants in order to improve certain properties of the plant.

[0072] The term "plant health" includes various plant improvements that are not related to pest control. For example, favorable properties that can be mentioned are improved crop characteristics, including: emergence, crop yield, protein content, oil content, starch content, more developed root system (improved root growth), improved stress tolerance (e.g., resistance to drought, heat, salt, UV, water, cold), reduced ethylene (reduced production and / or inhibited reception), increased plant height, larger leaves, fewer dead basal leaves, stronger tillers, greener leaf color, pigment content, photosynthetic activity, less input required (such as fertilizer or water), less seeds required, more effective tillers, earlier flowering, earlier grain maturity, fewer plant segments (lodging), increased bud growth, enhanced plant vigor, increased plant density, and earlier and better germination; or any other advantages familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0073] Throughout this application, descriptions of various embodiments use the term "comprising"; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some specific cases, the language of "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" may be used alternatively to describe the embodiments.

[0074] As used herein, the term "locus" includes a habitat, breeding area, plants, breeding material, soil, area, material or environment where a pest is growing or may grow.

[0075] As used herein, the term "ha" refers to hectares.

[0076] As used herein, the term "g" refers to grams, and "L" or "1" refers to liters.

[0077] As used herein, the term "more effective" includes, but is not limited to, increasing the efficacy of pesticidal disease control, prolonging protection and reducing the amount of time required to achieve a given level of pesticidal control, prolonging the duration of protection from pest attack after application and prolonging the period of protection from pest attack and / or reducing the amount of time required to achieve a level of pest control compared to when the same amount of each pesticide is applied alone.

[0078] As used herein, the term "enhancing crop plants" means improving one or more of the following: plant quality, plant vigor, nutrient uptake, root system, tolerance to stress factors and / or yield of plants to which the mixture or composition described herein has been applied, compared to control plants grown under the same conditions except that the mixture or composition described herein has not been applied.

[0079] As may be used herein, the term "enhanced root system" means that the root system of a plant to which a mixture or composition as described herein has been applied is qualitatively or quantitatively improved compared to the root system of a control plant grown under the same conditions except that the mixture or composition as described herein has not been applied. An enhanced root system includes, but is not limited to, improved visual appearance and composition of the root system (i.e., improved color, density, and uniformity), increased root growth, a more developed root system, stronger and healthier roots, improved plant density, and increased root weight.

[0080] As used herein, the term "improving plant quality" means that one or more traits of a plant to which a mixture or composition as described herein has been applied are qualitatively or quantitatively improved compared to the same traits of a control plant grown under the same conditions except that the mixture or composition as described herein has not been applied. Such traits include, but are not limited to, improved visual appearance and composition of the plant (i.e., improved color, density, uniformity, compactness), reduced ethylene (reduced inhibition of production and / or uptake), improved visual appearance and composition of harvested material (i.e., seeds, fruits, leaves, vegetables, shoots / stems / canes), improved carbohydrate content (i.e., increased amount of sugars and / or starch, improved sugar-acid ratio, reduction in reducing sugars, increased rate of sugar formation), improved protein content, improved oil content and composition, improved nutritional value, reduction in anti-nutritional compounds, increased nutrient absorption, stronger and healthier roots, improved organoleptic properties (i.e., improved taste), improved consumer health benefits (i.e., increased vitamin and antioxidant levels), improved post-harvest characteristics (i.e., increased shelf life and / or enhanced storage stability, easier processing, easier extraction of compounds), and / or improved seed quality (i.e., for use in the following season).

[0081] As used herein, the term "plant" refers to all physical parts of a plant, including, but not limited to, seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, leaves, and fruits.

[0082] As used herein, the term "surfactant" means an agriculturally acceptable material that imparts emulsification, stability, spreadability, wettability, dispersibility or other surface modification properties. Examples of suitable surfactants include nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants.

[0083] In order to better understand this teaching and in no way limit the scope of these teachings, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters listed in the following specification and the appended claims are approximate values, which can vary according to the desired characteristics sought to be obtained. At least, each numerical parameter should at least be interpreted according to the number of reported significant figures and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. In this regard, the use of the term "about" herein specifically includes ± 10% of the indicated value within the range. In addition, the endpoints of all ranges involving the same component or characteristic herein include endpoints, are independently combinable, and include all intermediate points and ranges.

[0084] Unless otherwise indicated, references to percentages are weight (wt.) percentages of active compound in the compositions of the present invention based on the total weight of active ingredients (i.e., the active compound itself) in the composition, excluding any amount of solvents, carriers, dispersants, stabilizers or other materials that may be present.

[0085] It should be further understood that where a parameter range is provided, the subject matter also provides all integers and decimals thereof within the range. For example, "0.1% to 50%" includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, etc. up to 50%.

[0086] When the ratio herein is "X:1 or higher", it means that the ratio is Y:1, where Y is X or greater, and when the ratio herein is "X:1 or lower", it means that the ratio is Z:1, where Z is X or lower. The same logic applies to ratios of "1:X or higher" and "1:X or lower".

[0087] Fungicidal mixture combination

[0088] It has been unexpectedly discovered that by combining sulfur with one or more crop fungicidal compounds, mixture combinations are produced which exhibit a broad spectrum of control and high efficacy against an extremely wide range of fungi and have a long residual action under varying climatic conditions. The mixtures and compositions of the present invention are based in part on the discovery that application of the mixture combinations of the present invention to a locus or area where fungicidal control is desired results in improved control of the fungi and prevents further infestation.

[0089] In some embodiments, the combination provides a higher fungicidal activity than would be expected based on the sum of the activities of the sulfur and fungicides found therein. Such a combination reduces the dosage of individual fungicides that may harm agriculturally important plants.

[0090] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a fungicidal mixture combination comprising as active compound:

[0091] i) an effective amount of sulfur; and

[0092] ii) an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0093] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0094] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0095] It has now surprisingly been found that compositions comprising i) an effective amount of sulphur mixed in a ratio with an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0096] (a) a fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0097] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0098] There is a synergistic effect on the control of fungal diseases in crop plants without causing phytotoxicity to the plants. A particular advantage of the composition according to the invention is that this synergistic effect between the active ingredients allows a reduction in the total amount of sulphur or fungicide used on the crops while still having good fungal disease control.

[0099] A combination has now been found comprising sulphur and at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0100] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0101] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0102] The increased effect in protecting plants or soil against fungal attack, preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, and reducing fungal infection of plants or soil, without causing phytotoxicity to plants. The increased effect may be a synergistic effect. A particular advantage of the combination according to the invention is that this synergistic effect between the active ingredients allows a reduction in the total amount of sulfur or fungicide used on the plants or soil, while still having a good effect of treating the plants or soil against fungal infection. A synergistic effect occurs when the effect of two or more compounds exceeds the effect of these compounds when used alone.

[0103] It has also been found that these combinations help prevent fungal attack and thus enable the use of reduced amounts of sulphur or fungicides at later stages of plant development. The combinations of the invention are able to limit or destroy microorganisms present on plants or plant parts of a variety of useful plant crops, and even on parts of plants that are formed at a later point in time and have not yet been damaged by such microorganisms.

[0104] In order to solve one of the problems encountered in the prior art, the present invention has developed a method for reducing the phytotoxicity of fungicides to crops, in particular potatoes, grapes, cereals, sugar beets and pome fruits. It has now been found that sulfur shows significantly reduced phytotoxicity when mixed with at least one of the active ingredients a) and / or b).

[0105] A particularly advantageous method according to the invention comprises: 1) adding sulphur and at least one of the active ingredients a) and / or b) and adjuvants to a spray tank in an amount ranging from 500 g ai / ha to 5000 g ai / ha, preferably from 500 g ai / ha to 3500 g ai / ha, more preferably from 800 g ai / ha to 3500 g ai / ha; 2) starting the spray tank agitator; and 3) applying the mixture to the crop once the mixture is homogenized.

[0106] If it is necessary to expand the disease control spectrum, the combination according to the present invention may also contain more than one of the active components a) and b). The present invention also provides a synergistic combination comprising (i) a certain amount of sulfur, and a certain amount of at least one additional fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0107] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0108] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0109] The present invention also provides a combination comprising (i) an amount of sulphur, and an amount of at least one additional fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0110] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0111] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0112] The combination is more effective for treating plants or soil against fungal diseases than when the same amounts of sulfur and fungicide are applied separately.

[0113] The present invention also provides a combination comprising (a) an amount of sulfur, and an amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0114] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0115] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0116] Wherein the amount of sulfur and the amount of fungicide when applied together are more effective in treating plants or soil against fungal infection than when the same amount of sulfur or the fungicide is applied alone.

[0117] The present invention also provides a fungicidal composition comprising any one of the combinations or mixtures disclosed herein.

[0118] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition comprises sulfur and a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. In some embodiments, the amount of the contact fungicide in the mixture is less than the fungicidally effective amount of the contact fungicide when the contact fungicide is used alone.

[0119] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition comprises sulfur and a triazole fungicide. In some embodiments, the amount of triazole fungicide in the mixture is less than the fungicidally effective amount of the triazole fungicide when the triazole fungicide is used alone.

[0120] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for treating plants or soil against fungal infection than when the same amount of each fungicide is applied alone.

[0121] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for protecting plants or soil from fungal infection than when the same amount of sulfur or each fungicide is applied alone. In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for preventing fungal infection of plants or soil infection than when the same amount of sulfur or each fungicide is applied alone. In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil infection than when the same amount of sulfur or each fungicide is applied alone. In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for reducing fungal infection of plants or soil infection than when the same amount of sulfur or each fungicide is applied alone.

[0122] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for protecting plants from fungal attack, preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, and / or reducing fungal infection of plants or soil than when the same amount of sulfur is applied alone.

[0123] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for protecting plants from fungal attack, preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, and / or reducing fungal infection of plants or soil than when the same amount of the contact fungicide is applied alone.

[0124] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for protecting plants from fungal attack, preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, and / or reducing fungal infection of plants or soil than when the same amount of the triazole fungicide is applied alone.

[0125] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for protecting plants from fungal attack, preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, and / or reducing fungal infection of plants or soil than when a fungicidally effective amount of sulfur is used.

[0126] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for protecting plants from fungal attack, preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, and / or reducing fungal infection of plants or soil than when a fungicidally effective amount of a contact fungicide is used.

[0127] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for protecting plants from fungal attack, preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, and / or reducing fungal infection of plants or soil than when a fungicidally effective amount of a triazole fungicide is used.

[0128] As used herein, the term contact fungicide refers to a fungicide that remains at the site of application and does not move within the plant. Such a fungicide may be selected from the group comprising fluazinam. Preferably, the contact fungicide comprised in the composition according to the invention is fluazinam.

[0129] The triazole fungicide contained in the composition according to the present invention can be selected from the group consisting of: difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, clofoconazole, isofantifentaflonazole, fluopyram, prothioconazole or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the triazole fungicide is difenoconazole.

[0130] The present invention also provides a mixture for controlling crop diseases, the mixture comprising i) an effective amount of sulfur; and

[0131] ii) an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0132] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0133] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0134] Wherein, the crop diseases are selected from the group comprising: pod downy mildew, witches' broom, seedling blight, Botrytis panicle and branch blight, black rot, black banana leaf spot, wheat leaf blight-STB, septoria leaf spot, gray leaf spot, septoria leaf spot, beet leaf spot, septoria leaf spot, yellow banana leaf spot, early leaf spot, late leaf spot, pear gray leaf spot, leaf spot, Septoria brown spot, purple spot, scab, Hop leaf spot, white leaf spot, barn spot, sheath blight, Rhizoctonia, cucumber damping off, Rhizoctonia root and crown rot, pink disease, deadwood, eye spot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, black rot, powdery mildew, Aspergillus ear rot, pale leaf spot, apple bark canker, leaf spot, gray mold, sclerotinia, white mold, Sclerotinia stem rot, brown rot, cereal leaf blister, Fusarium head blight, corn ear rot, eye fruit rot, seedling rot, head blight Stalk rot, coffee wilt, grapevine anthracnose, crown rot and root rot, black pod disease, downy mildew, late blight, coffee berry disease, anthracnose, fruit rot, red rot, leaf spot, clubroot, target spot, chickpea fusarium wilt, bell rot, apple leaf spot, pea fusarium wilt, fusarium wilt, leaf pod spot, stone fruit punch, stem spot canker and leaf spot, beet damping off, yellow spot, web spot, northern corn leaf blight, southern Corn leaf blight, northern corn leaf spot, leaf blight, Alternaria / brown spot, pear brown spot, apple leaf spot, early blight, leaf spot, brown spot, eye spot, apple scab, pear scab, scab, coffee leaf rust, Asian soybean rust, Panama wilt, tropical cotton rust, brown rust, yellow rust, rust, common rust, cotton rust, southwestern cotton rust, rice blast, leaf curl, common smut, smut, grapevine rust.

[0135] The most preferred target fungal diseases are wheat leaf blight (Septoria tritici), yellow rust (Puccinia streatch), brown rust (Puccinia recondita), Cylindrospermum (Cylindrospermum leaf spot) in cereals.

[0136] The most preferred target fungal diseases are powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminearum), gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), black rot (Botrytis cinerea) in grapes.

[0137] The most preferred target fungal disease is Cercospora (Cercospora betae) in sugar beet.

[0138] The most preferred target fungal diseases are apple scab (Venturiella inaequalis), powdery mildew (Umbelliferae) in pome fruit.

[0139] The present invention also provides a mixture for controlling fungi, the mixture comprising

[0140] i) an effective amount of sulfur; and

[0141] ii) an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0142] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0143] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, clofoconazole, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopyram and prothioconazole.

[0144] Wherein the fungus is selected from the group comprising: Alternaria cacao (pod downy mildew), Arbuscular mycorrhizal disease (arbuscular mycorrhizal disease), Microsporum species (seedling blight), Botrytis cacao (Botrytis cacao panicle and branch blight), Grapevine black rot (black rot), Mycosphaeria fijiensis or preferably Pseudocercospora fijiensis (black banana leaf spot), Septoria tritici (wheat leaf blight - STB), Cylindrospora spp. (Cylindrospora leaf spot), Cercospora maydis (grey leaf spot), Cylindrospora leucoderma (Cylindrospora leaf spot), Cercospora betae (beet leaf spot), Cercospora betae (beet leaf spot), Pseudocercospora bananae (yellow banana leaf spot), Mycosphaeria arganicae (early leaf spot), Mycosphaeria berkeleyi (late leaf spot Disease), Pyrus sphaerocephalus (pear gray leaf spot), Cercospora species (leaf spot), Soybean Septoria (Septoria brown spot), Cercospora kikuchii (purple spot), Cladosporium species (scab), Pseudocercospora candii (hop leaf spot), Pseudocercospora neospora (white leaf spot), Cercospora nicotianae (baking house spot), Rhizoctonia solani / Rice sheath blight (skin blight, Rhizoctonia, cucumber damping-off, Rhizoctonia root and crown rot), Red Clostridium (pink disease), New grape intersepta (blight), Corn sphaerocephalus (eye spot), Grape powdery mildew (powdery mildew), Diplodia bispora (powdery mildew), Cucumber powdery mildew (powdery mildew), Grape powdery mildew (powdery mildew), Spotted forked silk monocystis (powdery mildew), White forked silk monocystis (powdery mildew), New tomato Powdery mildew of Solanum solani (powdery mildew), powdery mildew of beet / polygonum (powdery mildew), powdery mildew species of the genus Erysiphe (powdery mildew), felt hair fork filamentous monocystis (powdery mildew), tobacco downy mildew (downy mildew), Botrytis cinerea (black rot), powdery mildew of tartary (powdery mildew), powdery mildew of crucifer (powdery mildew), powdery mildew of diffuse powdery mildew (powdery mildew), Aspergillus species (Aspergillus ear rot), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (light leaf spot), bull's eye fruit rot pathogen (apple bark canker), cherry leaf spot pathogen (leaf spot), Botrytis cinerea (gray mold), chain sclerotinia species (sclerotinia), chain sclerotinia of drupe (sclerotinia), sclerotinia of pome fruit (sclerotinia), peach brown rot pathogen (sclerotinia), sclerotinia species (white mold), Sclerotinia (sclerotinia stem rot or white mold Disease), American and Australian type drupe brown rot fungus (flower brown rot), rye beak spore (cereal leaf blister disease), Fusarium species (Fusarium head blight), corn ear rot, kernel stem cancer new cluster red shell (eye fruit rot), Fujikura head rot (seedling disease), corn head rot (head rot), coffee head rot (coffee wilt), grape scab cyst (grapevine anthracnose), Phytophthora species (crown rot and root rot), palm phytophthora (black pod disease), giant phytophthora (black pod disease), pepper phytophthora (black pod disease), melon downy mildew (downy mildew), grape monoaxylus (downy mildew), Humulus pseudodowny mildew (downy mildew), pathogenic phytophthora (late blight), broad bean downy mildew (downy mildew), Phytophthora species (downy mildew), parasitic downy mildew (downy mildew), powdery downy mildew (downy mildew),Coffee berry anthracnose (coffee berry disease), Colletotrichum species (anthracnose), banana anthracnose (anthracnose), Colletotrichum species (anthracnose), Periphyton (anthracnose), Graminoides (anthracnose), Cotton anthracnose (anthracnose), Periphyton (fruit rot), Fusarium anthracnose (red rot), Colletotrichum destructans (anthracnose), Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Plum furunculosis (leaf spot), Brassica oleracea (root root), Coryneformis multilocus (target spot), Ascochyta blight (chickpea Ascochyta wilt), Cotton ascochyta spore (bell rot), stem spot of catalpa oleracea (apple leaf spot), pea spore wilt, broad bean spore wilt, subspore species (leaf spot), punch hole disease (drupe punch hole disease), cruciferous vegetable black stem disease (stem spot canker and leaf spot disease), beet spore (beet blight), wheatgrass pyrenophora / yellow spot disease (yellow spot disease), cyperus rotundus (net spot disease), corn leaf blight (northern corn leaf blight), heterosporus (southern corn leaf blight), charcoal spore Cavity fungus (northern corn leaf blight), Alternaria cucurbitae (leaf blight), Alternaria interspersed (Alternaria spp. / brown spot), Cavity fungus onion (pear brown spot), Alternaria applea (apple leaf spot), Alternaria species (early blight, leaf spot), Alternaria solani, Cavity fungus miyabe (brown spot), Helminthosporium sugarcane (eye spot), Venturia malariae (apple scab), Venturia peari (pear scab), Venturia spp. peachi (scab), Claviceps fusca (coffee leaf rust), Puccinia pachyrhizi (Asian soybean rust), Cotton Layer rust (Panama wilt), cotton layer rust (tropical cotton rust), hidden stem rust (brown rust), stripe stem rust (yellow rust), sugar beet rust (rust), sorghum stem rust (common rust), single spore rust (rust), muhly grass stem rust (cotton rust), cotton stem rust (southwest cotton rust), warty double rust (rust), rice pear spore (rice blast), deformed exocyst (leaf curl), corn smut (common smut), sugarcane smut (smut), thick spore small brown spherical shell (grapevine disease).

[0145] The most preferred target fungi are selected from the group comprising Septoria tritici, Psoralea cylindrica, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria solani and Venturia inaequalis.

[0146] Particular combinations according to the invention are: sulphur and fluazinam; sulphur and difenoconazole, and sulphur and fluazifop-conazole.

[0147] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition comprises sulfur and fluazinam. In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition comprises sulfur and difenoconazole. In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition comprises sulfur and fluazinam.

[0148] If it is desired to expand the disease control spectrum, the combination according to the invention may also comprise more than one of the active components a) and / or b). In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition comprises two additional fungicides.

[0149] In some embodiments, the mixture is a tank mix. The amount of the combination of the present invention to be applied will depend on various factors, such as the compound employed, the object of treatment (plant, soil, seed), the type of treatment (e.g., spraying, dusting, seed dressing), the purpose of the treatment (preventive or curative), the type of fungus to be treated and the time of application.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment, in the fungicidal composition according to the present invention, the weight ratio of sulfur to a) and / or b) is in the range of 1:1 to 100:1.

[0151] In another embodiment, in the fungicidal composition according to the present invention, the weight ratio of sulfur to a) and / or b) is in the range of 1:1 to 60:1.

[0152] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to contact fungicide is from 2: 1 to 30: 1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to contact fungicide is from 2: 1 to 20:1.

[0153] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to triazole fungicide is from 5: 1 to 100: 1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to triazole fungicide is from 8: 1 to 60: 1.

[0154] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to fluazinam is 2: 1 to 30: 1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to fluazinam is 2: 1 to 20:1.

[0155] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to difenoconazole is 5: 1 to 100: 1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to difenoconazole is 8: 1 to 60: 1.

[0156] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to mefenoxam is 5: 1 to 100: 1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sulfur to mefenoxam is 8: 1 to 60: 1.

[0157] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition reduces the amount of time required to achieve a certain level of fungal control compared to when the same amount of each fungicide is applied alone. For example, if each fungicide applied alone achieves 50% fungal disease control 7 days after application, the combination, mixture or composition disclosed herein achieves 50% fungal disease control 2 days after application when each fungicide is applied at that amount.

[0158] In some embodiments, the amount of time is reduced by at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, or 21 days, or 28 days.

[0159] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is more effective for protecting plants or soil from fungal attack than when the same amount of each fungicide is applied alone.

[0160] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition prolongs protection against fungi compared to when the same amount of each fungicide is applied alone.

[0161] In some embodiments, protection is extended for at least 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, or 28 days.

[0162] In some embodiments, a combination, mixture or composition disclosed herein prolongs the period of protection against fungal attack compared to when the same amount of each fungicide is applied alone.

[0163] In some embodiments, the protection period is extended by at least 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, or 28 days.

[0164] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is effective for increasing plant development compared to the same amount of each fungicide applied alone. Increasing plant development includes, but is not limited to, enhancing root systems, enhancing shoots of crop plants, enhancing greening effects, enhancing plant vigor and / or increasing plant yield potential.

[0165] In some other embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is effective for increasing control of phytophagous mites compared to when the same amount of each fungicide is applied alone.

[0166] In some embodiments, plant vigor is assessed using a relative vigor index. In some embodiments, plant vigor is increased by at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%.

[0167] In some embodiments, the enhancement of the root system is measured by root weight. In some embodiments, root weight increases by at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%.

[0168] In some embodiments, the enhancement of the sprouts is measured by sprout weight. In some embodiments, the sprout weight increases by at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%.

[0169] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition further comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0170] In an embodiment, in the fungicidal composition according to the present invention, the combination of sulfur mixed with a) and / or b) accounts for 0.5 wt % to 95 wt % of the total weight of the fungicide composition.

[0171] In some embodiments, the amount of sulfur and a) and / or b) is 0.5 wt % to 95 wt % of the total weight of the combination, mixture or composition. In some embodiments, the amount of sulfur and a) and / or b) is 0.5 wt % to 95 wt % of the total weight of the combination, mixture or composition.

[0172] The present invention also discloses a method for combating plant pathogenic diseases on crop plants, the method comprising applying the fungicide composition according to the present invention to the crop plants or their sites. A preferred method of applying the composition of the present invention comprises applying the composition to the above-ground parts of the plant, especially the leaves.

[0173] The present invention also discloses a method for resisting plant pathogenic diseases on crop plants, the method comprising applying a combination, mixture or composition according to the present invention to the crop plants or their locations. A preferred method of applying the combination, mixture or composition of the present invention comprises applying the combination, mixture or composition to the above-ground parts of the plant, especially the leaves.

[0174] The present invention also provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection, which method comprises applying an effective amount of any one of the combinations, mixtures, or compositions disclosed herein to plants, plant propagation materials or soil, so as to thereby treat the plants or soil to resist fungal infection.

[0175] The present invention also provides a method for preventing fungal infection of plants or soil, the method comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to plants, plant propagation materials or soil, so as to thereby prevent fungal infection of plants or soil.

[0176] The present invention also provides a method for controlling fungal diseases that infect plants or soil, the method comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to plants, plant propagation materials or soil, so as to thereby control fungal diseases that infect plants or soil.

[0177] The present invention also provides a method for reducing fungal infection of plants or soil, the method comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to plants, plant propagation materials or soil, so as to thereby reduce fungal infection of plants or soil.

[0178] The present invention also provides a method for prolonging protection against fungal infection, the method comprising applying any of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to plants or soil.

[0179] In some embodiments, the method comprises applying sulfur and an additional fungicide at any of the rates described herein.

[0180] The application rate of the fungicidal composition according to the present invention will depend on the specific type of fungus to be controlled, the degree of control required, and the time and method of application. Generally, the composition of the present disclosure can be applied at an application rate ranging from about 50 g ai / ha to about 5000 g ai / ha based on the total amount of active ingredients in the composition.

[0181] In an embodiment, the fungicidal composition according to the present invention is applied at a rate in the range of about 60 g ai / ha to about 4000 g ai / ha. In a more specific embodiment, the fungicidal composition according to the present invention is applied at a rate in the range of about 75 g ai / ha to about 4000 g ai / ha, even more specifically in the range of about 100 g ai / ha to about 3500 g ai / ha.

[0182] The components of the combinations, mixtures or compositions of the present disclosure can be applied separately or as part of a multi-part fungicidal system. The components of the combinations, mixtures or compositions of the present disclosure can be applied separately or as part of a multi-part fungicidal system. Therefore, the methods and uses disclosed herein include preparing combinations, mixtures and compositions from the component parts prior to application or use.

[0183] In some embodiments, the components of the combination, mixture or composition are administered simultaneously.

[0184] In some embodiments, the components of the combination, mixture or composition are administered concurrently.

[0185] In some embodiments, sulfur and / or mixtures thereof are applied at least once during the growing season.

[0186] In some embodiments, sulfur and / or mixtures thereof are applied two or more times during the growing season.

[0187] In some embodiments, sulfur and / or mixtures thereof described herein are applied as soil applications. In some embodiments, mixtures and / or compositions described herein are applied as foliar applications.

[0188] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is applied at least once during the growing season.

[0189] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is applied two or more times during the growing season.

[0190] In some embodiments, the combinations, mixtures or compositions described herein are applied as a soil application. In some embodiments, the combinations, mixtures or compositions described herein are applied as a foliar application.

[0191] The application rate of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein will depend on the specific type of fungi to be controlled, the desired degree of control, and the time and method of application. Typically, the combinations, mixtures or compositions described herein can be applied at an application rate between about 60 g / ha and about 4000 g / ha.

[0192] In some embodiments, sulfur is applied at a rate of between 500-5000 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, sulfur is applied at a rate of between 700-4000 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, sulfur is applied at a rate of between 800-3500 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, such as in grapes, sulfur is applied at a rate of between 800-2400 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, such as in pome fruit, sulfur is applied at a rate of about 3500 g ai / ha.

[0193] In some embodiments, the contact fungicide is applied at a rate of 100-500 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, the contact fungicide is applied at a rate of 150-400 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, the contact fungicide is applied at a rate of 200-350 g ai / ha.

[0194] In some embodiments, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 100-500 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 100-400 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, for example in potatoes, fruit trees, grapes, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 150-350 g ai / ha.

[0195] In some embodiments, the triazole fungicide is applied at a rate of 25-300 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, the triazole fungicide is applied at a rate of 25-200 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, the triazole fungicide is applied at a rate of 25-125 g ai / ha.

[0196] In some embodiments, difenoconazole is applied at a rate of 25-300 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, difenoconazole is applied at a rate of 25-200 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, difenoconazole is applied at a rate of 25-125 g ai. / ha.

[0197] In some embodiments, mefenamic acid is applied at a rate of 25-300 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, mefenamic acid is applied at a rate of 25-200 g ai / ha. In some embodiments, mefenamic acid is applied at a rate of 25-125 g ai. / ha.

[0198] In some embodiments, sulfur and the fungicide are applied simultaneously. In some embodiments, sulfur and one or more additional fungicides are applied concurrently.

[0199] The fungicidal compositions according to the invention are effective against a broad spectrum of phytopathogenic fungi, in particular fungi belonging to the following classes: Ascomycetes (e.g. Venturia, Psoralea, Erysiphe, Mycosporium, Mycosphaeria, Uncinaria); Basidiomycetes (e.g. Hemileia, Rhizoctonia, Puccinia, Phakopsora); Deuteromycetes (e.g. Botrytis, Helminthosporium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Septoria, Cercospora, Alternaria, Pyrospora and Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (Tapesia species)).

[0200] In a preferred embodiment, the target fungus according to the present invention is selected from the group comprising Septoria tritici, Psoralea corylifolia, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria solani and Venturia inaequalis.

[0201] In particular, the novel compositions can be used for combating brown rust and yellow rust, in particular Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi), and also leaf spot, powdery mildew, Cercospora, Cylindrospermum, and C. coffeae rust.

[0202] The combinations, mixtures and compositions according to the invention are effective against a broad spectrum of mites and phytopathogenic fungi, in particular fungi belonging to the following classes: Ascomycetes (e.g. Venturia, Formosporum, Powdery Fern, Corythuja, Mycosphaeria, Uncinaria); Basidiomycetes (e.g. Puccinia, Rhizoctonia, Puccinia, Puccinia); Deuteromycetes (e.g. Botrytis, Helminthosporium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Septoria, Cercospora, Alternaria, Pyrospora and Tapesia species).

[0203] In a preferred embodiment, the target mite or insect according to the present invention is selected from the group comprising two-spotted spider mite and greenhouse whitefly.

[0204] The compositions according to the invention can be used as fungicides, ie for combating fungal diseases which have already contaminated crop plants, but also for preventing fungal attacks.

[0205] The combinations, mixtures or compositions according to the invention can be used as fungicides, ie for combating fungal diseases which have already contaminated crop plants, but also for preventing fungal attacks.

[0206] Target crops for the indication areas disclosed herein include the following plant species: cereals (wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, sorghum and related crops); beets (sugar beets and fodder beets); pome, stone and soft fruits (apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries); legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans); oilseed plants (rapeseed, mustard, poppy, olive, sunflower, coconut, castor oil plant, cocoa beans, peanuts); cucumbers (West gourds, cucumbers, cantaloupe); fiber plants (cotton, flax, hemp, jute); citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines); vegetables (spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbage, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers); lauraceae (avocado, cinnamon, camphor); or plants such as corn, tobacco, nuts, coffee, sugar cane, tea, vines, hops, bananas and natural rubber plants, and ornamental plants (flowers, shrubs, broadleaf trees, and evergreen plants such as conifers). This list does not represent any limitation.

[0207] In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention are intended for use on the following crops: potatoes, fruit trees, grapes, cereals, sugar beets.

[0208] In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition is used to treat crops to resist fungal infection. Crops include but are not limited to arable crops, vegetables and fruits. In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition according to the present invention is intended to be used on the following crops: corn, soybeans, dry beans, cotton, wheat or coffee. In some embodiments, the combination, mixture or composition according to the present invention is intended to be used on soybeans, dry beans, corn, cotton, cereals, coffee, rice, pome fruit, grapevine, zucchini and / or tomatoes. In some embodiments, the crop is soybeans. In some embodiments, the crop is dry beans. In some embodiments, the crop is corn. In some embodiments, the crop is cotton. In some embodiments, the crop is cereal. In some embodiments, the crop is coffee. In some embodiments, the crop is rice. In some embodiments, the crop is grapevine. In some embodiments, the crop is pome fruit, preferably apple. In some embodiments, the crop is zucchini. In some embodiments, the crop is tomato.

[0209] The number of times and the ratio of application depend on the biological and climatic environment of pathogen.Alternately, active ingredient can be by soaking the place of plant (for example in rice planting) with liquid preparation or material is mixed in soil (soil application) in solid form (for example in the form of particles), arrive plant via root system (systemic effect) from soil or water.Composition of the present invention can also be applied to seed grain, for carrying out seed treatment (coating), it is by continuous soaking root or grain with liquid preparation of active ingredient, or by coating them with the moistening or drying preparation that has comprised this combination.In addition, in particular case, it is possible to carry out other types of application to plant, for example, bud or fruiting part of plant are carried out targeted treatment.

[0210] The combinations, mixtures or compositions of the invention can also be applied to seeds for seed treatment (coating) by continuous soaking of roots or seeds with a liquid formulation of the active ingredient, or by coating them with a wet or dry formulation already containing the combination. In addition, in certain cases, other types of application to plants are possible, such as targeted treatment of the buds or fruiting parts of the plant.

[0211] The composition of the present invention can be formulated into any conventional type of formulation. The composition of the present invention can be used in any conventional form, especially in the form of water-dispersible granules, coated granules, emulsifiable concentrates, suspension concentrates, microemulsions, oil dispersions, suspoemulsions, capsule suspensions, capsule suspensions and mixed formulations of suspension concentrates.

[0212] Suitable carriers and adjuvants can be solid or liquid and correspond to the materials conventionally used in formulation technology, such as, for example, natural or regenerated mineral substances, solvents, dispersants, wetting fungicides, tackifiers, thickeners, combined fungicides or fertilizers. Such carriers are for example described in WO 96 / 22690.

[0213] Such compositions can be produced in conventional manner, for example by mixing the active ingredients with suitable adjuvants (diluents or solvents and optionally other formulation ingredients such as surfactants).

[0214] In particular, formulations to be applied in the form of sprays (such as water-dispersible concentrates or wettable powders) may contain surfactants, such as wetting and dispersing fungicides, for example condensation products of formaldehyde with naphthalenesulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates, ligninsulfonates, fatty alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkylphenols and ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

[0215] Compositions according to the invention are usually formulated in a variety of ways using formulation adjuvants such as carriers, solvents and surface-active substances. The formulations can be in different physical forms, for example, in the form of dusting powders, gels, wettable powders, water-dispersible granules, water-dispersible tablets, effervescent compressed tablets, emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, flowable oils, aqueous dispersions, oily dispersions, suspoemulsions, capsule suspensions, emulsifiable granules, soluble liquids, water-soluble concentrates (using water or water-miscible organic solvents as carriers), impregnated polymer films or in other known forms, such as those known from Manual on Development and Use of FAO and WHO Specifications for Pesticides, United Nations, First Edition, Second Revision (2010). Such formulations can be used directly or can be diluted before use. Can be diluted, for example, with water, liquid fertilizers, micronutrients, biological organisms, oils or solvents. These formulations can be prepared, for example, by mixing the active ingredient with a formulation adjuvant in order to obtain a composition in the form of a finely divided solid, granules, solution, dispersion or emulsion. The active ingredients can also be formulated with other adjuvants such as finely divided solids, mineral oils, oils of plant or animal origin, modified oils of plant or animal origin, organic solvents, water, surface-active substances or combinations thereof.

[0216] These active ingredients can also be contained in microcapsules. Microcapsules contain active ingredients in porous carriers. This allows the active ingredients to be released (e.g., slowly released) into the environment in a controlled amount. Microcapsules typically have a diameter of from 0.1 to 500 microns. The amount of active ingredients they contain is about 25% to 95% by weight of the capsule weight. These active ingredients can be in the form of an integral solid, in the form of fine particles in a solid or liquid dispersion, or in the form of a suitable solution. The encapsulated film can include, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, cellulose, styrene / butadiene copolymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polyester, polyamide, polyurea, polyurethane or chemically modified polymers and starch xanthate or other polymers known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, very fine microcapsules can be formed, in which the active ingredient is contained in a solid matrix of a base material in the form of finely dispersed particles, but these microcapsules themselves are not wrapped.

[0217] Formulation auxiliaries suitable for preparing the formulations according to the invention are known per se. As liquid carriers there may be used: water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2-butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl acetates, diacetone alcohol, 1,2-dichloropropane, diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol rosin acid esters, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, N,N-dimethyl Formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4-dioxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol ether (diproxitol), alkyl pyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 2-heptanone, α-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, γ-butyrolactone, glycerol, acetic acid glyceryl, diacetic acid glyceryl , triacetin, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropyl benzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl caprylate, methyl oleate, dichloromethane, m-xylene, n-hexane, n-octylamine, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol, propionic acid, Propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylene sulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and higher molecular weight alcohols such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofuran alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, etc.

[0218] Suitable solid carriers are, for example, talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, diatomaceous earth, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed hulls, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and similar materials.

[0219] Many surface-active substances can be used advantageously in both solid and liquid formulations, especially in those formulations which can be diluted with a carrier before use. Surface-active substances can be anionic, cationic, nonionic or polymeric and they can be used as emulsifiers, wetting fungicides or suspending fungicides or for other purposes. Typical surface-active substances include, for example, salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium dodecyl sulfate; salts of alkylarylsulfonates, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol / alkylene oxide addition products, such as ethoxylated nonylphenol; alcohol / alkylene oxide addition products, such as ethoxylated tridecanol; soaps, such as sodium stearate; salts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; salts of dialkyl sulfosuccinates, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitan esters, such as sorbitan oleate; quaternary ammoniums, such as dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono- and dialkyl phosphates.

[0220] Additional adjuvants that can be used in pesticidal formulations include crystallization inhibitors, viscosity regulators, suspension fungicides, dyes, antioxidants, foaming fungicides, light absorbers, mixing aids, defoamers, complexing fungicides, substances that neutralize or change the pH and buffers, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances, wetting fungicides, absorption enhancers, micronutrients, plasticizers, glidants, lubricants, dispersants, thickeners, antifreeze agents, microbicides, and liquid and solid fertilizers.

[0221] The formulation according to the present invention may include an additive comprising an oil of plant or animal origin, a mineral oil, an alkyl ester of such an oil, or a mixture of such an oil and an oil derivative. The amount of the oil additive in the formulation according to the present invention is typically from 0.01% to 10% based on the mixture to be applied. For example, the oil additive may be added to the spray barrel at a desired concentration after the spray mixture is prepared. Preferred oil additives include mineral oil or oil of plant origin, such as rapeseed oil, olive oil or sunflower oil; emulsified vegetable oil; alkyl esters of oil of plant origin, such as methyl derivatives; or oil of animal origin, such as fish oil or tallow. Preferred oil additives include alkyl esters of C8-C22 fatty acids, especially methyl derivatives of 02-08 fatty acids, such as methyl esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid (methyl laurate, methyl palmitate and methyl oleate, respectively).

[0222] The seed dressing formulation is applied to the seed in a manner known per se using the combination of the invention and the diluent in the form of a suitable seed dressing formulation, for example an aqueous suspension or dry powder with good adhesion to the seed. Such seed dressing formulations are known in the art. The seed dressing formulation may contain a single active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients in encapsulated form, for example as a sustained-release capsule or microcapsule.

[0223] The present invention also provides a package comprising any of the combinations, mixtures or compositions disclosed herein.

[0224] In some embodiments, the package includes instructions for using the combination, mixture, or composition to protect plants from fungal attack. In some embodiments, the package includes instructions for using the combination, mixture, or composition to control fungal diseases that infect plants. In some embodiments, the instructions include application rate, application time, target fungal pathogen, and / or target plant (as described herein).

[0225] The present invention also provides a method for preparing a combination, mixture or composition comprising:

[0226] (i) an effective amount of sulfur; and

[0227] ii) an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of:

[0228] (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam,

[0229] (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, fluopicolide, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopicolide and prothioconazole,

[0230] The method comprises the following steps:

[0231] (i) obtaining an amount of sulphur and an amount of one or more additional fungicides, and

[0232] (ii) mixing the obtained amount of sulphur and the additional fungicide to obtain the combination, mixture or composition.

[0233] In some embodiments, the amount of sulfur in the combination, mixture, or composition is less than the fungicidally effective amount of sulfur when sulfur is used alone.

[0234] In some embodiments, the amount of the one or more additional fungicides in the combination, mixture, or composition is less than the fungicidally effective amount of the one or more additional fungicides when the one or more additional fungicides are used alone.

[0235] In some embodiments, step (iii) is performed in a tank to obtain a tank mix.

[0236] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding an agrochemically acceptable carrier to the combination, mixture or composition.

[0237] Each embodiment disclosed herein is contemplated to be applicable to each other disclosed embodiment. Therefore, all combinations of the various elements described herein are within the scope of the invention. In addition, the elements listed in the composition embodiments can be used in the combinations, mixtures (including synergistic mixtures), packages, methods and use embodiments described herein, and vice versa.

[0238] The present invention is described in more detail and further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples. The following examples illustrate the practice of the subject matter of the present invention in some embodiments thereof, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter of the present invention. Based on consideration of the specification and examples, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specification including the examples is intended to be considered as exemplary only, without limiting the scope and spirit of the subject matter.

[0239] How to use

[0240] The present invention provides a method for enhancing crop plant development and / or improving plant yield potential, the method comprising applying an effective amount of any of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, their loci or their propagation material.

[0241] The present invention provides a method for improving the yield potential of a plant, the method comprising applying an effective amount of any of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, their loci or their propagation material, so as to thereby improve the yield potential of the plant.

[0242] The present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by using an effective amount of any of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to control the fungi, so as to thereby control the fungi.

[0243] The present invention also provides a method for controlling insects by contacting the insects or their food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of any of the mixtures or compositions disclosed herein to thereby control the insects.

[0244] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungi using an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, thereby controlling the fungi, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide.

[0245] In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for controlling insects by contacting the insects or their food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, thereby controlling the insects, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide.

[0246] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection, which method controls the fungi by controlling the fungi using an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, wherein the mixture combination is sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide, wherein the fungi are selected from the group consisting of: Septoria tritici, Cylindrospermum leaf spot, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria solani and Venturia inaequalis.

[0247] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici by using an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, thereby controlling the fungus, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide.

[0248] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0249] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici by using an effective amount of a mixture combination, which is sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0250] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0251] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici by using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0252] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrosporium leaf spot by using an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, thereby controlling the fungus, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide.

[0253] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrosporium leaf spot by using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0254] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrosporium leaf spot by using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0255] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrosporium leaf spot by using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0256] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrosporium leaf spot by using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0257] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea by using an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, thereby controlling the fungus, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide.

[0258] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea by using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0259] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0260] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0261] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0262] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, thereby controlling the fungus, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide.

[0263] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0264] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0265] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0266] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0267] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, thereby controlling the fungus, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide.

[0268] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0269] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0270] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0271] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0272] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection, by controlling the fungus Venturia malariae using an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, thereby controlling the fungus, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide.

[0273] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Venturia malae using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0274] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Venturia malariae using an effective amount of a mixture combination, which is sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0275] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Venturia malariae using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0276] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating plants or soil to resist fungal infection by controlling the fungus Venturia malariae using an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

[0277] In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for controlling insects by contacting the insects or their food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of a mixture combination as described above or a combination thereof, whereby the insects are controlled, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and (b) a triazole fungicide, wherein the insects are selected from the group consisting of two-spotted spider mites and greenhouse whiteflies.

[0278] In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for controlling the insect two-spotted spider mite by contacting the insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of a mixture combination or a composition thereof as described above, thereby controlling the insect, the mixture combination being sulfur in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation.

[0279] In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for controlling the insect two-spotted spider mite by contacting the insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the insect.

[0280] In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for controlling the insect greenhouse whitefly by contacting the insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of a mixture combination or a composition thereof as described above, thereby controlling the insect, the mixture combination being sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1.

[0281] In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for controlling the insect greenhouse whitefly by contacting the insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of a mixture combination of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the insect.

[0282] The following representative examples illustrate the practice of the present invention in some embodiments thereof, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Based on consideration of the specification and examples, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is contemplated that the specification (including examples) is considered to be exemplary only, and does not limit the scope and coverage of the present invention.

[0283] In some embodiments, the mixture or synergistic mixture comprises one or more additional active ingredients. In some embodiments, the mixture or synergistic mixture comprises one or more additional inactive ingredients.

[0284] Although the disclosure of the present invention can be easily implemented in various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been described in detail herein by way of example. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, this disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives and their legal equivalents within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the following claims.

[0285] Examples

[0286] Experiments were conducted to determine the technical improving effects (e.g., synergistic effects, crop yield, etc.) of a mixture combination comprising a mixture of i) sulfur and ii) at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of contact fungicides that are uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation and triazole fungicides.

[0287] The mixture combination can be prepared by thoroughly mixing sulfur (wt%) with fluazinam (wt%). In a separate experiment, the mixture combination can also be prepared by thoroughly mixing sulfur (wt%) with difenoconazole (wt%).

[0288] Different concentrations of each active ingredient are applied to different fungi. The percentage of control can be determined at a certain time after treatment.

[0289] Whenever the effect of the combination of active ingredients is greater than the sum of the effects of each ingredient individually, a synergistic effect exists. Thus, a synergistic combination is a combination of active ingredients that has an effect greater than the sum of the effects of each active ingredient individually, and a synergistically effective amount is an effective amount of the synergistic combination.

[0290] The Colby method is used to determine if a combination of active ingredients has a synergistic effect. According to Colby, the expected effect (E) of active ingredients A+B is:

[0291]

[0292] Where E = expected efficacy, A and B = efficacy of the two active ingredients A and B at a given dose.

[0293] Synergy exists when the observed (O) percentage of control for the combination is greater than the expected (E) percentage. The synergy ratio (R) is calculated as the ratio between the expected value and the observed value. If the synergy ratio (R) between the observed value and the expected value>1, synergy is exhibited, if R=1, the effect is additive, and if R<1, the mixture is antagonistic.

[0294] For a more detailed description of Colby's formula, see Colby, SR "Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combination," Weeds, Vol. 15, pp. 20-22; 1967; see also Limpel et al., Proc. NEWCC 16:48-53 (1962).

[0295] The fungicidal compounds A (sulfur) and B (mixing partner) were formulated into equivalent compositions to eliminate the effect of different formulation inerts on the biological activity. The efficacy of the fungicidal compositions was evaluated on a scale of 0% to 100% compared to untreated control plots. 0 means no control and 100 means complete control of the target disease.

[0296] The experiments were conducted by applying commercially available formulations of sulphur and other mixing partners either individually or in the form of tank-mixed compositions thereof. The compositions were diluted with water.

[0297] The active ingredients used in the experiments had the following formulation types and concentrations:

[0298]

[0299]

[0300] Each formulation with active ingredient was diluted with water and subjected to bioefficacy test against target fungi.

[0301] The following experiments were carried out with various sulfur mixtures on different types of fungi and the results are summarized in the table below:

[0302] Table 1a:

[0303]

[0304] Table 1b:

[0305]

[0306]

[0307] Table 2:

[0308]

[0309] Table 3:

[0310]

[0311] Table 4:

[0312]

[0313] Table 5:

[0314]

[0315] Table 6:

[0316]

[0317] In addition, the compositions were also evaluated for their acaricidal and insecticidal efficacy compared to untreated control plots on a scale of 0% to 100%, with 0 meaning no control and 100 meaning complete control of the target pest.

[0318] The experiments were conducted by applying commercially available formulations of sulphur and other mixing partners either individually or in the form of tank-mixed compositions thereof. The compositions were diluted with water.

[0319] The active ingredients used in the experiments had the following formulation types and concentrations:

[0320] Active ingredients Preparation type concentration sulfur SL 700 g / L sulfur WG 800 g / kg Difenoconazole SC 250 g / L Fluazifop SC 500 g / L

[0321] Each formulation with the active ingredient was diluted with water and subjected to a biological efficacy test against target pests.

[0322] The following experiments were carried out with various sulphur mixtures on different types of pests and the results are summarized in the table below:

[0323] Table 7:

[0324]

[0325]

[0326] Table 8:

[0327]

[0328]

[0329] In some embodiments, the mixture is used in coordination to enhance crop plants. In some embodiments, the mixture is used in coordination to enhance plant development. In some other embodiments, the mixture is used in coordination to enhance root systems. In some embodiments, the mixture is used in coordination to improve plant quality and yield. In some embodiments, the mixture is used in coordination to regulate plant growth. In some embodiments, the mixture is used in coordination to control different fungal species.

[0330] Although the disclosure of the present invention can be easily implemented in various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been described in detail herein by way of example. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, this disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives and their legal equivalents within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A mixture of active compounds comprising: i) an effective amount of sulfur; and ii) an effective amount of at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a contact fungicide which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, said contact fungicide being selected from the group comprising fluazinam, (b) a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, cyproconazole, clofoconazole, isofantrine, fluconazole, fluopyram and prothioconazole.

2. The mixture composition according to claim 1, wherein: The mixture is selected from the group consisting of: A) Sulfur and contact fungicides that act as uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, B) Sulfur and triazole fungicides.

3. The mixture combination according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The mixture is selected from the group consisting of: i) sulfur and fluazinam, ii) Sulfur and difenoconazole iii) Sulfur and fluazifop-butyl.

4. The mixture combination according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The mixture exhibits a synergistic effect.

5. The mixture combination according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Sulfur and at least one fungicide as claimed in claim 1 are applied together or sequentially.

6. The mixture combination according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The weight ratio of sulfur to one or more fungicides as claimed in claim 1 is from 2:1 to 100:

1.

7. The mixture combination according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The weight ratio of sulfur to the contact fungicide is 2:1 to 30:

1.

8. The mixture composition according to claim 7, wherein: The weight ratio of sulfur to fluazinam is 2:1 to 30:

1.

9. The mixture combination according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The weight ratio of sulfur to the triazole fungicide is 5:1 to 100:

1.

10. The mixture composition according to claim 9, wherein: The weight ratio of sulfur to difenoconazole is 5:1 to 100:

1.

11. The mixture combination according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The application rate of each active ingredient in the mixture is 25 g / ha to 4000 g / ha.

12. A pesticidal composition comprising: (i) the mixture combination according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and (ii) an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

13. The pesticidal composition of claim 12, further comprising: at least one surfactant, a solid diluent, a liquid diluent, or a combination thereof.

14. A method for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling fungi, using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of any one of claims 1 to 11 or a composition of claim 12 or 13 to control fungi.

15. A method for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling fungi as claimed in claim 14, wherein: The fungus is selected from the group comprising Septoria tritici, Psoralea corylifolia, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria solani and Venturia inaequalis.

16. The method of claim 15 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of any one of claims 1-11 in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus Septoria tritici, thereby controlling the fungus.

17. The method of claim 16 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 to control the fungus.

18. The method of claim 17 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations, which is sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

19. The method of claim 16 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus.

20. The method of claim 19 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Septoria tritici using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus.

21. The method of claim 15 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of any one of claims 1-11 in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus, Cynomorium leaf spot, thereby controlling the fungus.

22. The method of claim 21 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrospora leaf spot using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 to control the fungus.

23. The method of claim 22 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrospora leaf spot using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

24. The method of claim 21 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrospora leaf spot using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus.

25. The method of claim 24 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Cylindrospora leaf spot using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

26. The method of claim 15 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of any one of claims 1-11 in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus Botrytis cinerea, thereby controlling the fungus.

27. The method of claim 26 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 to control the fungus.

28. The method of claim 27 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

29. The method of claim 26 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

30. The method of claim 29 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Botrytis cinerea using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

31. The method of claim 15 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of any one of claims 1-11 in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, thereby controlling the fungus.

32. The method of claim 31 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

33. The method of claim 32 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 to control the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, thereby controlling the fungus.

34. The method of claim 31 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

35. The method of claim 34 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulphur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

36. The method of claim 15 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of any one of claims 1-11 in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus Alternaria solani, thereby controlling the fungus.

37. The method of claim 36 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 to control the fungus.

38. The method of claim 37 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

39. The method of claim 36 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus.

40. The method of claim 39 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Alternaria solani using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

41. The method of claim 15 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of any one of claims 1-11 in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus Venturia inaequalis, thereby controlling the fungus.

42. The method of claim 41 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Venturia inaequalis using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 to control the fungus, thereby controlling the fungus.

43. The method of claim 42 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Venturia inaequalis using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

44. The method of claim 41 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Venturia inaequalis using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of a triazole fungicide in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1 to control the fungus, thereby controlling the fungus.

45. The method of claim 44 for treating plants or soil against fungal infection by controlling the fungus Venturia inaequalis using an effective amount of any one of the mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of difenoconazole in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 100:1, thereby controlling the fungus.

46. ​​A method for controlling insects by contacting the insects or their food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of any one of the combination mixtures of any one of claims 1 to 11 or a composition of claim 12 or 13 so as to control the insects.

47. A method for controlling insects as claimed in claim 46, wherein: The insect is selected from the group comprising two-spotted spider mite and greenhouse whitefly.

48. A method as claimed in claim 47 for controlling the insect Tetranychus urticae by contacting the insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of the mixture combination as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 in a weight ratio of 2: 1 to 100: 1 so as to control the insect.

49. The method of claim 48 for controlling said insect, Tetranychus urticae, by contacting said insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of any of said combinations of mixtures of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 so as to control said insect.

50. The method of claim 49 for controlling said insect Tetranychus urticae by contacting said insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of any one of said mixture combinations of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 so as to control said insect.

51. The method of claim 47 for controlling the insect greenhouse whitefly by contacting the insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of the mixture combination of any one of claims 1-11 in a weight ratio of 2: 1 to 100: 1 so as to control the insect.

52. The method of claim 51 for controlling said insect, greenhouse whitefly, by contacting said insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of any of said combinations of mixtures of sulfur and an effective amount of a contact fungicide that is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 so as to control said insect.

53. The method of claim 52 for controlling said insect, greenhouse whitefly, by contacting said insect or its food supply, habitat, breeding area or locus with an effective amount of any one of said combination mixtures of sulfur and an effective amount of fluazinam in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 30:1 so as to control said insect.

Images