Use of polycarboxylate copolymers and alkyl ether sulfates as compatibilizers in tank mix compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to an agricultural tank mix composition comprising an agriculturally active composition and a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of compositions comprising copolymers comprising units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural tank-mix composition, which comprises an agriculturally active composition and a compatibilizer, wherein the compatibilizer is selected from a composition containing a polycarboxylate copolymer and an alkyl ether sulfate. The present invention further relates to the use of such a composition as a compatibilizer in a tank-mix composition. Background Art

[0002] For many purposes in agriculture and related fields, it is desirable to apply two or more biologically active compounds simultaneously to the same site, each of which is a pesticide or a plant growth regulator. This is preferably achieved by including these two or more compounds in a single composition, which is applied to the target plant or soil, for example, by spraying. Typically, such compositions are prepared by users in the art by adding two or more concentrated compositions of separate formulations of active ingredients to water in a spray tank in measured amounts, sometimes with other ingredients. Compositions prepared in this manner are generally referred to as "tank-mixes".

[0003] Each formulated product has a complex set of chemical structures. Therefore, each tank mix formulation increases the potential for physical and chemical incompatibilities (such as sedimentation or flocculation), which can negatively impact the spray application and effectiveness of the crop protection product.

[0004] Polycarboxylate copolymers are commonly used dispersants for pesticide formulations. For example, WO 9918787A discloses that copolymers of α,β-unsaturated oxyacids and olefins can be used as built-in dispersants to improve the physical stability and / or dispersibility of the agrochemical composition containing the dispersant. Typically, the amount of the built-in dispersant ranges from 1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition, and will be diluted to more than 200 times during operation. For reasons of cost saving or compromising the stability of the formulation, a higher amount of built-in dispersant needs to be avoided.

[0005] However, the increased complexity of tank-mix combinations of agrochemicals leads to an increased tendency for incompatibilities between active ingredients, which can ultimately lead to poor performance, crop damage, and sprinkler clogging.

[0006] Thus, there remains no technology available to identify / develop tank mix compatibility that not only reduces or eliminates incompatibility issues, but also helps save time and reduce application costs. Summary of the invention

[0007] The applicants have surprisingly discovered that a combination of a polycarboxylate copolymer and an alkyl ether sulfate may be added to a tank-mix composition for the purpose of improving the compatibility of the tank-mix composition.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, an agricultural tank-mix composition is provided, comprising an agriculturally active composition and a composition as a compatibilizer comprising a copolymer comprising units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a composition as a compatibilizer for stabilizing an agriculturally active composition, the composition as a compatibilizer comprising a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a tank-mix composition, comprising the step of mixing a composition as a compatibilizer with an agriculturally active composition, the composition as a compatibilizer comprising a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Throughout this specification, including the claims, unless otherwise indicated, the term "comprising one" or "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with the term "comprising at least one." The terms "between" and "from... to..." should be understood to include the limits.

[0012] Use of the articles "a," "an," and "the" means that the grammatical object of the article is one or more than one (ie, to at least one).

[0013] It should be noted that when any range of concentrations, weight ratios or amounts is indicated, any specific upper concentration limit, weight ratio or amount can be associated with any specific lower concentration limit, weight ratio or amount, respectively.

[0014] As used herein, the term "alkyl" means a saturated hydrocarbon group, which may be linear, branched or cyclic, such as decane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane.

[0015] As used herein, the term "(Cn-Cm)" with respect to an organic group, wherein n and m are each an integer, means that the group may contain from n carbon atoms to m carbon atoms per group.

[0016] As used herein, the rates L / ha, g / ha and Kg / ha refer to the amount of product in a tank-mix composition to achieve the amount of each compound applied per hectare according to the use of the agrochemical formulation.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an agricultural tank mix composition comprising:

[0018] a) an agriculturally active composition comprising at least two pesticides selected from the group consisting of dithiocarbamate fungicides, chlorothalonil, glyphosate, flumioxazine, strobilurin fungicides, pyrazole-carboxamide fungicides, benzoylurea insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, phenoxy herbicides, pyrimidinedione herbicides, sulfonylurea herbicides, cyclohexanedione herbicides and benzoic acid herbicides, and

[0019] b) a compatibilizer selected from a composition comprising a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate, wherein the compatibilizer composition is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 to 1.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the agricultural tank-mix composition.

[0020] The agricultural tank mix composition as provided in the present invention has improved compatibility when a composition as a compatibilizer is added, the composition as a compatibilizer comprising a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate, which in turn brings benefits such as, but not limited to, no nozzle clogging, easy tank cleaning.

[0021] Advantageously, the compatibilizer can be added to the built-in composition in high amounts without compromising the stability of the composition. In particular, the compatibilizer is built-in in an amount necessary to achieve the amount of compatibilizer upon dilution in the agricultural tank-mix composition.

[0022] The compatibilizer is a composition comprising a copolymer comprising a polycarboxylate copolymer and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate. The polycarboxylate is a polymer that may contain carboxylic acid groups in free acid form and / or as a salt.

[0023] According to one advantageous embodiment, the polycarboxylate comprises units derived in particular from methacrylic anhydride or from methacrylic acid and from diisobutylene.

[0024] Advantageously, the compatibilizer composition copolymer comprises units derived from diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate.

[0025] It should be noted that these copolymers can be obtained in a manner known to those skilled in the art, for example by free radical polymerization in the presence of a catalyst using a solvent such as, for example, benzene, toluene, xylene, dioxane, ethyl acetate or diisobutylene, possibly used in substantial excess.

[0026] Free radical-generating catalysts suitable for the synthesis of the copolymers according to the invention are in most cases peroxides or azohydroperoxides, such as, for example, acetyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, tert-butyl perbenzoate, methyl hydroperoxide, ethyl hydroperoxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, azobisisobutyronitrile and dimethyl azoisobutyrate.

[0027] Preferred copolymers are those having an average molecular weight of 5,000 to 60,000 Daltons, and preferably 12,000 to 42,000 Daltons.

[0028] Tank-mix compositions may contain a variety of insoluble pesticides.

[0029] In particular, the tank-mix compositions of the present invention may include complex mixtures including, but not limited to, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, biocides, molluscicides, algaecides, anthelmintics, rodenticides, nematicides, miticides, amoebicides, and protozoicides.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one pesticide is selected from dithiocarbamate fungicides, thiophanate-methyl, glyphosate, fluazifop-propyl, strobilurin fungicides, pyrazole-carboxamide fungicides, benzoyl urea insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, phenoxy herbicides, pyrimidinedione herbicides, sulfonylurea herbicides, cyclohexanedione herbicides and benzoic acid herbicides or combinations thereof.

[0031] In the present invention, the dithiocarbamate in the agricultural tank-mix composition is selected from mancozeb, ferbam, maneb, metam, metiram, propineb, thiram, zineb and ziram.

[0032] Dithiocarbamates are functional groups in the organic chemical analogues of carbamates in which two oxygen atoms are replaced by sulfur atoms. They are a class of fungicides that are poorly water-soluble.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dithiocarbamate is selected from mancozeb.

[0034] When the dithiocarbamate is used in the form of a solid composition, the dithiocarbamate concentration, notably the loading, may vary widely, depending on the specific intended use. Typically, the composition is in the form of a solid composition containing a range of 0.5 to 1000 g / kg of the dithiocarbamate, and preferably 50 to 950 g / kg of the dithiocarbamate.

[0035] Alternatively, the dithiocarbamate may be used in an aqueous liquid composition containing in the range of 0.5 to 1000 g / l of the dithiocarbamate, and preferably 50 to 950 g / l of the dithiocarbamate.

[0036] Chlorothalonil is an organic compound used primarily as a broad-spectrum non-systemic fungicide, with other uses as a wood protectant, pesticide, acaricide, and for controlling mold, mildew, bacteria, algae.

[0037] When thiophanate-methyl is used in an aqueous liquid composition, the thiophanate-methyl concentration may vary within the range of 300 to 800 g / l thiophanate-methyl, and preferably 400 to 750 g / l thiophanate-methyl.

[0038] Alternatively, thiophanate-methyl may be used in the form of a solid composition containing thiophanate-methyl in the range of 400 to 950 g / kg, and preferably 450 to 900 g / kg.

[0039] In the present invention, glyphosate herbicide refers to glyphosate or its salt. Glyphosate refers to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the glyphosate herbicide is selected from glyphosate.

[0041] Glyphosate is a herbicide with an acid group and is relatively insoluble in water (1.16% by weight at 25 degrees C.) For this reason, it is typically formulated as a water-soluble salt in an aqueous solution.

[0042] In the present invention, glyphosate may be present in its acid form, and glyphosate may also be present in the form of any water-soluble agriculturally acceptable salt or derivative thereof, which provides glyphosate acid or glyphosate anion in the solution of the herbicidal composition according to the present invention.

[0043] Preferably, the glyphosate herbicide used herein is a relatively non-hygroscopic water-soluble glyphosate salt, such as an alkali metal (e.g. sodium) salt of glyphosate, or an ammonium salt or one or more mixtures thereof, but any glyphosate salt that can be formulated into a water-soluble dry form, or a mixture of any such salt, or a mixture of glyphosate acid and any such salt may be used if desired. Most preferred are monoalkali metal salts of N-phosphonomethylglycine and monoammonium salts of N-phosphonomethylglycine or mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0044] In some embodiments, the glyphosate herbicide, particularly glyphosate, is present in the form of a salt selected from the group consisting of potassium (K) salt, sodium (Na) salt, isopropylamine (IPA) salt, monoethanolamine (MEA) salt, monomethylamine (MMA) salt, triethylamine (TEA) salt, dimethylamine (DMA) salt, trimethylsulfonium salt and ammonium (NH 3 )Salt.

[0045] When glyphosate herbicide is used in the form of aqueous composition, glyphosate concentration, notably loading, may vary greatly, depending on the specific use of the expectation. Typically, the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution containing a glyphosate ranging from 300 to 700 g / l (ae, acid equivalent) and preferably 360 to 700 g / l (ae). Concentrated compositions containing 360 to 700 g / l (ae) are the most common.

[0046] Alternatively, glyphosate may be used in a solid form containing glyphosate (ae, acid equivalent) in the range of 500 to 900 g / kg, and preferably 600 to 900 g / kg.

[0047] Fluazifop-butyl herbicide is a compound from the group of N-phenylphthalimide derivatives and N-phenylimides. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tank-mix composition of the present invention may contain fluazifop-butyl.

[0048] In some embodiments of the invention, the strobilurin fungicide is selected from

[0049] ●(2E)-2-(2-{[6-(2-cyanophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yl]oxy}phenyl)-3-methoxyprop-2-enoic acid methyl ester (azoxystrobin),

[0050] ●(2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[(2-methylphenoxy)methyl]phenyl]acetic acid methyl ester (kresoxim-methyl),

[0051] ● methyl ester of (2E)-3-methoxy-2-[2-({[6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]oxy}methyl)phenyl]prop-2-enoic acid (picoxystrobin),

[0052] ●(E)-1-[2-[6-(2-chlorophenoxy)-5-fluoropyrimidin-4-yl]oxyphenyl]-1-(5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-dioxazin-3-yl)-N-methoxyformimide (fluoxastrobin),

[0053] ●(2E)-2-[2-[[(E)-[(3E,4E)-3,4-bis(methoxyimino)pentan-2-ylidene]

[0054] [amino]oxymethyl]phenyl]-2-methoxyimino-N-methylacetamide (orysastrobin),

[0055] ●(2E)-2-[2-[(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)methyl]phenyl]-2-methoxyimino-N-methylacetamide (dimoxystrobin),

[0056] Methyl N-[2-[[1-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl]oxymethyl]phenyl]-N-methoxycarbamate (pyraclostrobin), and

[0057] -(2Z)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]acetic acid methyl ester (trifloxystrobin).

[0058] Preferably, the strobilurin fungicide is azoxystrobin.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide is selected from

[0060] ●N-[11-(dichloromethylene)-3-tricyclo[6.2.1.02,7]undec-2(7),3,5-trienyl]-3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methylpyrazole-4-carboxamide (benzovindiflupyr),

[0061] ●3-(Difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-(3',4',5'-trifluoro[1,1-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (fluxapyroxad),

[0062] N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-fluorophenyl]-3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methylpyrazole-4-carboxamide (bixafen), and

[0063] -3-(Difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-[(3R)-1,1,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydroindan-4-yl]pyrazole-4-carboxamide (Inpyrfluxam).

[0064] Preferably, the pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide is selected from benzovindiflupyr.

[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, the benzoyl urea insecticide is selected from

[0066] ●N-[(3,5-dichloro-2,4-difluorophenyl)carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (teflubenzuron),

[0067] ●N-[(4-chlorophenyl)carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (diflubenzuron),

[0068] ●N-[[4-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-fluorophenyl]carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (flufenoxuron),

[0069] ●N-[[3,5-dichloro-4-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl]carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (hexaflumuron),

[0070] ●N-[[2,5-dichloro-4-(1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropoxy)phenyl]carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (lufenuron).

[0071] ●N-[[2-chloro-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (Bistrifluron),

[0072] ●N-[[3,5-dichloro-4-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]oxyphenyl]carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (Chlorfluazuron),

[0073] ●N-[[4-[[(E)-[(4-Chlorophenyl)-cyclopropylmethylene]amino]oxymethyl]phenyl]carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (Flucycloxuron)

[0074] ●N-[[3-chloro-4-[1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethoxy]phenyl]carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (Novaluron),

[0075] N-[[3,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropoxy)phenyl]carbamoyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (Noviflumuron), and

[0076] -2-Chloro-N-[[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]carbamoyl]benzamide (Triflumuron).

[0077] Preferably, the benzoylurea insecticide is selected from fenfluramide.

[0078] In some embodiments of the invention, the neonicotinoid insecticide is selected from

[0079] ●(NZ)-N-[3-[(2-chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]-5-methyl-1,3,5-oxadiazinan-4-ylidene]nitramide (thiamethoxam),

[0080] ●N-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-N'-cyano-N-methylacetamidine (acetamiprid),

[0081] ●1-[(2-chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-2-nitroguanidine (clothianidin),

[0082] ●(NE)-N-[1-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]imidazolidin-2-ylidene]nitramide (imidacloprid),

[0083] ●(E)-1-N'-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-1-N'-ethyl-1-N-methyl-2-nitroethylene-1,1-diamine (nitenpyram),

[0084] 2-(Nitromethylene)-1,3-thiazinane (nithiazine),

[0085] [3-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-1,3-thiazolidin-2-ylidene]cyanamide (thiacloprid), and

[0086] • Hydroxy-[[N'-methyl-N-(oxolan-3-ylmethyl)carbamimidoyl]amino]-oxoammonium (Dinotefuran).

[0087] Preferably, the neonicotinoid insecticide is selected from thiamethoxam.

[0088] In some embodiments of the invention, the pyrethroid insecticide is selected from

[0089] ●[(R)-Cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl](1S,3S)-3-[(Z)-2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl]-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate (lambda-cyhalothrin),

[0090] ●(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-methylphenyl)methyl 3-[(Z)-2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl]-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate (tefluthrin),

[0091] ●[Cyano-(4-fluoro-3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl]3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate (cyfluthrin),

[0092] ●[Cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl]3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate (cypermethrin),

[0093] ●[Cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl]2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate (fenpropathrin),

[0094] (2-methyl-3-phenylphenyl)methyl 3-[(Z)-2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl]-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate (Bifenthrin), and

[0095] ●[(S)-Cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl](1R,3R)-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate (Deltamethrin).

[0096] Preferably, the pyrethroid insecticide is selected from lambda-cyhalothrin.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, the phenoxy herbicide is selected from

[0098] ●(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) dimethylammonium acetate (2,4-D DMA),

[0099] ●Methyl 2-[4-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]oxyphenoxy]propionate (Haloxyfop-P-methyl),

[0100] 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D),

[0101] ●4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB),

[0102] ●(R)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propionic acid (dichlorprop),

[0103] ●(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid (MCPA),

[0104] 4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butyric acid (MCPB), and

[0105] ●(RS)-2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)propanoic acid (2-methyl-4-chloropropanoic acid (mecoprop)).

[0106] Preferably, the phenoxy herbicide is selected from (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) dimethylammonium acetate (2,4-D DMA) or haloxyfop-methyl.

[0107] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pyrimidinedione herbicide is selected from

[0108] -2-Chloro-4-fluoro-5-[3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-1-yl]-N-[methyl(propan-2-yl)sulfamoyl]benzamide (saflufenacil).

[0109] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sulfonylurea herbicide is selected from

[0110] ●2-[(4-chloro-6-methoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]benzoic acid ethyl ester (chlorimuron-ethyl),

[0111] ●2-[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoylmethyl]benzoic acid methyl ester (bensulfuron methyl),

[0112] ●1-(2-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl-3-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)urea (chlorsulfuron),

[0113] ●2-[[4-ethoxy-6-(methylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]carbamoylsulfamoyl]benzoic acid methyl ester (ethametsulfuron methyl),

[0114] ●2-[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]-4-carboxamido-N,N-dimethylbenzamide (foramsulfuron),

[0115] ●3-chloro-5-[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]-1-methylpyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (halosulfuron),

[0116] ●2-[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]-4-(methanesulfonamidomethyl)benzoic acid methyl ester (mesosulfuron methyl),

[0117] ●2-[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]benzoic acid methyl ester (metsulfuron methyl),

[0118] ●2-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-ylcarbamoylsulfamoyl)-N,N-dimethylnicotinamide (nicosulfuron),

[0119] ●Oxetane-3-yl 2-[(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]benzoate (oxasulfuron),

[0120] ●Methyl 2-[[4,6-bis(difluoromethoxy)pyrimidin-2-yl]carbamoylsulfamoyl]benzoate (primisulfuron methyl),

[0121] ●1-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)-3-[2-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)phenyl]sulfonylurea (prosulfuron),

[0122] ●1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(3-ethylsulfonylpyridin-2-yl)sulfonylurea (rimsulfuron),

[0123] ●2-[(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]benzoic acid methyl ester (sulfometuron methyl),

[0124] ●1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(2-ethylsulfonylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)sulfonylurea (sulfosulfuron),

[0125] ●3-[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (thifensulfuron methyl),

[0126] 1-[2-(2-chloroethoxy)phenyl]sulfonyl-3-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)urea (triasulfuron), and

[0127] ●2-[[4-(Dimethylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]carbamoylsulfamoyl]-3-methylbenzoic acid methyl ester (triflusulfuron methyl).

[0128] Preferably, the sulfonylurea herbicide is selected from chlorimuron-methyl.

[0129] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cyclohexanedione herbicide is selected from:

[0130] ●2-[(E)-N-[(E)-3-chloroprop-2-enyloxy]-C-ethylcarbamidyl]-5-(2-ethylsulfanylpropyl)-3-hydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-one (clethodim),

[0131] ●2-[(E)-N-[(E)-3-chloroprop-2-enyloxy]-C-ethylcarbamidyl]-3-hydroxy-5-(oxan-4-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (Tepraloxydim)

[0132] ●5-(3-Butyryl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2-[(E)-N-ethoxy-C-ethylcarbamidyl]-3-hydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-one (Butroxydim)

[0133] ●2-[(E)-N-ethoxy-C-propylcarboimido]-5-(2-ethylsulfanylpropyl)-3-hydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-one (Sethoxydim)

[0134] ●2-[(E)-N-ethoxy-C-propylcarboimido]-3-hydroxy-5-(thiacyclohexane-3-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (Cicloxydim)

[0135] 2-[N-[2-(4-chlorophenoxy)propoxy]-C-propylcarbonimido]-3-hydroxy-5-(thiazole-3-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (Profoxydim), and

[0136] -2-[(E)-N-ethoxy-C-ethylcarboimido]-3-hydroxy-5-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (Tralkoxydim).

[0137] Preferably, the cyclohexanedione herbicide is selected from clethodim.

[0138] In some embodiments of the invention, the benzoic acid herbicide is selected from:

[0139] ●3-amino-2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid (chloramben),

[0140] ●3,6-Dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba),

[0141] 2,3,6-Trichlorobenzoic acid (2,3,6-TBA), and

[0142] ●2,3,5-Trichloro-6-methoxybenzoic acid (tricamba).

[0143] Preferably, the benzoic acid herbicide is selected from dicamba.

[0144] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compatibilizer composition comprises 50 to 90% by weight of a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and 10 to 50% by weight of a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate, based on the total weight of the compatibilizer composition.

[0145] The agricultural tank-mix composition according to the present invention may optionally further contain one or more fertilizers selected from water-soluble or water-insoluble fertilizers, including single nutrient, multi-nutrient or macronutrient fertilizers.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from the group consisting of glyphosate, dithiocarbamate fungicides, fluazifop-propylamine, strobilurin fungicides, pyrazole-carboxamide fungicides, benzoyl urea insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, phenoxy herbicides, pyrimidinedione herbicides, cyclohexanedione herbicides and sulfonylurea herbicides, as indicated above.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from a combination of mancozeb, azoxystrobin and benzovindiflupyr.

[0148] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from the combination of mancozeb, azoxystrobin, benzovinfluazide and fenfluramide.

[0149] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from the group consisting of mancozeb, azoxystrobin, benzovinfluazide, thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin.

[0150] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from the combination of glyphosate potassium salt and fenfluramide.

[0151] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from the combination of glyphosate potassium salt, 2,4-D DMA, saflufenacil and chlorimuron-methyl.

[0152] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from a combination of glyphosate potassium salt, clethodim and saflufenacil or fluazifop-propyl.

[0153] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from a combination of glyphosate potassium salt, fluazifop-ethyl and saflufenacil or fluazifop-butyl.

[0154] In some other preferred embodiments of the present invention, component a) is selected from a combination of glyphosate potassium salt or glyphosate ammonium salt and clethodim or haloxyfop-ethyl or 2,4-D DMA.

[0155] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, component a) is selected from the combination of glyphosate ammonium salt, clethodim and saflufenacil.

[0156] The herbicides as indicated may be formulated in any formulation suitable for tank mix application including, but not limited to, emulsifiable concentrates (EC), soluble liquids (SL), suspension concentrates (SC), wettable powders (WP) or water dispersible granules (WG or WDG).

[0157] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a composition as a compatibilizer for stabilizing an agriculturally active composition, the composition as a compatibilizer comprising a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate.

[0158] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a tank-mix composition, comprising the step of mixing a composition as a compatibilizer with an agriculturally active composition, the composition as a compatibilizer comprising a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate.

[0159] Examples

[0160] The following materials were used in the experiments:

[0161] Compatibilizer: A composition of 90% of a copolymer of diisobutylene / methacrylic anhydride and methacrylic acid and 10% of sodium alkyl C10-C16 ether sulfate, available from Solvay (supplied as a liquid composition containing 30% by weight of the copolymer based on the total volume of the compatibilizer).

[0162] Example 1

[0163] Preparation of agricultural tank mix compositions

[0164] The simulated "bucket" (graduated cylinder) is filled to 70% with 342ppm water. Based on the total volume of the bucket-mixed composition, the extender composition is added with 1% v / v (volume). Then these formulations are added according to the type of formulation-first add WP, ​​then add WDG / WG, then add SC, SL, EC and finally add any adjuvant recommended for use according to the formulation. Each time a new product is added to the "bucket", the graduated cylinder is inverted 10 times. Make up the volume of the "bucket" with 342ppm water and perform final 10 inversions before the measurement begins. Prepare a variety of bucket-mixed compositions according to Table 1. All pesticide formulations are commercially available from the market.

[0165] Table 1: Tank mix composition

[0166]

[0167]

[0168] The trials were conducted at a spray volume of 100 L / ha.

[0169] Example 2

[0170] Compatibility determination process

[0171] Compatibility is determined by the amount of sedimentation, crystallization, presence of solids on the sieve, or any other separation observed immediately after standing for 2 hours and after standing for 24 hours. That is, if the addition of a compatibilizer reduces the amount of sedimentation and reduces the presence of solids on the sieve after standing for 24 hours, it is considered to contribute to compatibility.

[0172] After 2 hours and 24 hours of static testing, the measuring cylinder was inverted 10 times and then passed through a 149 μm sieve. Visual inspection was performed to see if there was any retentate on the sieve and if there were any oil residues, crystals or liquid that could not pass through the sieve (if the sediment had completely blocked the sieve).

[0173] The compatibility test results are listed in Table 2 below.

[0174] Table 2: Compatibility test results:

[0175]

[0176]

[0177] Table 2 shows that the presence of precipitates, crystalline materials, solid retention on the sieve or any other incompatibilities is greatly reduced or even not observed in the compositions containing the compatibilizer.

[0178] Thus, a tank-mix composition comprising a compatibilizer has improved compatibility over a composition without the addition of a compatibilizer.

Claims

1. An agricultural tank mix composition comprising: a) an agriculturally active composition comprising at least two pesticides selected from the group consisting of dithiocarbamate fungicides, thiophanate-methyl, glyphosate, fluazifop-propyl, strobilurin fungicides, pyrazole-carboxamide fungicides, benzoylurea insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, phenoxy herbicides, pyrimidinedione herbicides, sulfonylurea herbicides, cyclohexanedione herbicides and benzoic acid herbicides, and b) a compatibilizer selected from a composition comprising a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate, wherein: The copolymer is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 to 1.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the agricultural tank-mix composition.

2. The agricultural tank mix composition according to claim 1, wherein The dithiocarbamate is selected from the group consisting of mancozeb, ferbam, maneb, metamethylenetetramine, metiram, propineb, thiram, zineb, and ziram, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of mancozeb.

3. The agricultural tank mix composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The dithiocarbamate is in the form of a solid composition containing in the range of 0.5 to 1000 g / kg of the dithiocarbamate, preferably 50 to 950 g / kg of the dithiocarbamate.

4. The agricultural tank mix composition according to any one of claims 1 or 3, wherein The thiophanate-methyl is in the form of a liquid aqueous composition containing thiophanate-methyl in the range of 300 to 800 g / l, preferably 400 to 750 g / l.

5. The agricultural tank mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The glyphosate is present in the form of a salt selected from the group consisting of potassium (K) salt, sodium (Na) salt, isopropylamine (IPA) salt, monoethanolamine (MEA) salt, monomethylamine (MMA) salt, triethylamine (TEA) salt, dimethylamine (DMA) salt, trimethylsulfonium salt and ammonium (NH3) salt.

6. The agricultural tank-mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The glyphosate is in the form of an aqueous solution containing glyphosate in the range of 300 to 700 g / l (ae), preferably 360 to 700 g / l (ae).

7. The agricultural tank-mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The strobilurin fungicide is selected from azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, picoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, orysastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin or trifloxystrobin, preferably selected from azoxystrobin.

8. The agricultural tank-mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide is selected from benzovintriazole, fluopyram, bixafen or indopyram, preferably from benzovintriazole.

9. The agricultural tank-mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The benzoylurea insecticide is selected from flubenzuron, diflubenzuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron or lufenuron, bistrifluanuron, chlorfluazuron, fluazifop, flubendiamide, fluazifop, noflubenzuron, perfluanid or triflumuron, preferably selected from flubenzuron.

10. The agricultural tank-mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The neonicotinoid insecticide is selected from thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid or dinotefuran, preferably selected from thiamethoxam.

11. The agricultural tank-mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The pyrethroid insecticide is selected from lambda-cyhalothrin, tefluthrin, cypermethrin, cypermethrin or cypermethrin, preferably lambda-cyhalothrin.

12. The agricultural tank mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The phenoxy herbicide is selected from (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) dimethylammonium acetate (2,4-D DMA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2,4-DB, 2,4-dichlorpropane, MCPA, MCPB or 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid, preferably selected from (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) dimethylammonium acetate (2,4-DDMA) or high-efficiency fluazifop-p-ethyl.

13. The agricultural tank mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The pyrimidinedione herbicide is selected from saflufenacil.

14. The agricultural tank-mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The sulfonylurea herbicide is selected from chlorimuron-methyl, benzylsulfuron-methyl, chlorsulfuron, ethametsulfuron-methyl, foramsulfuron-methyl, chlorpyrisulfuron-methyl, mesosulfuron-methyl, metsulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron-methyl, epoxysulfuron-methyl, methyl sulfimuron-methyl, prosulfuron-methyl, sulfimuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron-methyl, thifensulfuron-methyl, trisulfuron-methyl or trisulfuron-methyl, preferably selected from chlorimuron-methyl.

15. The agricultural tank mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The cyclohexanedione herbicide is selected from clethodim, pyraclostrobin, butyclothiodide, sethoxydim, cicloxydim, cypermethrin or trimethoprim-im, preferably clethodim.

16. The agricultural tank mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein The benzoic acid herbicide is selected from fenthion, dicamba, 2,3,6-TBA or dicamba, preferably selected from dicamba.

17. The agricultural tank mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein The weight proportions of the compatibilizer composition b) comprise 50% to 90% of a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and 10% to 50% of a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate, based on the total weight of the compatibilizer composition.

18. The agricultural tank-mix composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, optionally comprising at least one fertilizer.

19. Use of a composition as a compatibilizer for stabilizing an agriculturally active composition, the composition as a compatibilizer comprising a copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate, the agriculturally active composition comprising: a) an agriculturally active composition comprising at least two pesticides selected from the group consisting of dithiocarbamate fungicides, thiophanate-methyl, glyphosate, fluazifop-propyl, strobilurin fungicides, pyrazole-carboxamide fungicides, benzoylurea insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, phenoxy herbicides, pyrimidinedione herbicides, sulfonylurea herbicides, cyclohexanedione herbicides, diformamide fungicides and benzoic acid herbicides, and in, The composition comprising the copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and the C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the agricultural tank-mix composition.

20. A method for preparing a tank-mix composition comprising the step of mixing a composition as a compatibilizer comprising a copolymer comprising units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and a C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate with an agriculturally active composition comprising: a) an agriculturally active composition comprising at least two pesticides selected from the group consisting of dithiocarbamate fungicides, thiophanate-methyl, glyphosate, fluazifop-propyl, strobilurin fungicides, pyrazole-carboxamide fungicides, benzoylurea insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, phenoxy herbicides, pyrimidinedione herbicides, sulfonylurea herbicides, cyclohexanedione herbicides and benzoic acid herbicides, in, The composition comprising the copolymer containing units of diisobutylene and methacrylic anhydride or methacrylic acid and the C10-C16 alkyl ether sulfate is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the agricultural tank-mix composition.

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