Compositions and methods for controlling weeds in turfgrass

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds in susceptible turfgrass without causing significant damage to the turfgrass, the method comprising applying to the turfgrass a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and an effective amount of bensulfamide as a safener.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition and method for controlling weeds in lawns without causing significant damage to the lawn grass. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition and method for controlling weeds in certain susceptible warm-season lawn grasses without causing significant damage to the lawn grass, the method using a composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron and a sulfamethoxam safener.

[0002] The need to remove unwanted plants and other undesirable vegetation (such as noxious weeds and invasive plants) is an often recurring problem in agriculture as well as in landscaping and industry. For example, selectively removing problematic weeds and invasive species from golf courses (greens, fairways, tee boxes and roughs), sports fields, industrial turfgrasses and residential turfgrasses is necessary to maintain high quality, healthy lawns. Due to the contrast in color and texture between turfgrass plants and weeds, weeds can reduce the quality of the lawn. In addition, weeds compete with turfgrass plants for available water and nutrients, often resulting in thinning of the desired turfgrass cover. Therefore, there is a need for novel methods of controlling weeds in turfgrass and providing high quality, healthy lawns.

[0003] Trifloxysulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridinesulfonamide) (CAS RN: 145099-21-4; EP 540697B1) is an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor ALS herbicide that can be used to control certain broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds, and grass weeds in turfgrass. However, trifloxysulfuron is phytotoxic to certain susceptible turfgrasses. Its phytotoxicity is particularly severe when trifloxysulfuron is applied to control weeds in certain warm-season turfgrasses. 290332-10-4

[0004] Oxysulfonamide (2-methoxy-N-[[4-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]benzamide) (CAS RN: 129531-12-0; US 5215570) is a safener compound that can be used to protect cultivated plants from the damaging effects of various selective herbicides. Certain crystalline polymorphic forms of the safener oxysulfonamide, including Form 1, Form 2 and Form 3, are also known (WO 2013 / 117691).

[0005] Hephner et al., "Sequential Postemergence Applications for the Control of Khakiweed in Bermudagrass Turf," HortScience horts, 47(3), 434-436 (2012) describe treating Bermudagrass with trifloxysulfuron or mesotrione in the presence or absence of mesotrione to control Khakiweed.

[0006] There remains a need for improved trifloxysulfuron weed control compositions and methods in certain ALS-susceptible turfgrasses that reduce the phytotoxicity of trifloxysulfuron to such turfgrasses.

[0007] Surprisingly, it has now been found that the phytotoxic effects of trifloxysulfuron can be further reduced without loss of herbicidal efficacy when applied in combination with sulfoxamide to selectively control unwanted weeds in the presence of susceptible or sensitive turfgrasses. In particular, it has been found that when applied in combination with sulfoxamide to selectively control certain susceptible warm-season turfgrasses (particularly St. Augustinegrass) Hekeyucao When the herbicidal effect is to be controlled against weeds in Kikuyugrass, the phytotoxic effect of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate can be further reduced without losing the herbicidal efficacy against such weeds.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling weeds in susceptible turfgrass without causing significant damage to the turfgrass, the method comprising applying to the turfgrass an herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and an effective amount of sulfamethoxam as a safener.

[0009] In particular, the present invention comprises selectively controlling unwanted weeds in the presence of susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass in a turfgrass field without causing significant damage to the turfgrass, comprising applying to the turfgrass field an herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and an effective amount of sulfamethoxam as a safener.

[0010] More specifically, the present invention provides a method for selectively controlling unwanted weeds in the presence of ALS-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass in a turfgrass field without causing significant damage to the turfgrass and preferably without adversely affecting the herbicidal efficacy, the method comprising applying to the turfgrass field an herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and an effective amount of sulfamethoxam as a safener.

[0011] The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in turfgrass fields on grass selected from St. Augustine grass. Hekeyucao Selectively control unwanted weeds in the presence of warm-season (C4) turfgrasses without affecting St. Augustine grass or Keyu grass The method comprises applying to the turfgrass field a composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and an effective amount of sulfamethoxam as a safener, while causing significant injury and preferably without adversely affecting the herbicidal efficacy.

[0012] The present invention also provides a safening herbicide composition for use in lawn grasses susceptible to damage caused by ALS herbicides, including St. Augustine grass selected from Hekeyucao The safening herbicide composition comprises: a) an herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate; and b) an effective safening amount of sulfamethoxam, wherein the safening herbicide composition can make trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate or its salt safe for the lawn grass.

[0013] The present invention further provides a method for reducing the damage to warm-season (C4) turfgrasses such as St. Augustine grass or St. Augustine grass caused by the application of an ALS herbicide such as trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate alone or in combination with one or more co-herbicidal compounds. Keyu grass A method for treating phytotoxicity, which comprises applying to a turfgrass field a herbicidally effective amount of a herbicide selected from the group consisting of an ACCase herbicide, a pyridine herbicide and optionally trifloxysulfuron and an effective amount of sulfamethoxam as a safener.

[0014] The present invention further provides a method for converting an established turf grass selected from the group consisting of Bermuda grass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue and bluegrass on a turf grass field, the method comprising: broadcasting an amount of 100 to 200 cubic meters per hectare of an established turf grass selected from the group consisting of Zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, and Keyu grass and applying to the lawn grass field a herbicidally effective amount of a herbicide selected from ACCase herbicides, pyridine herbicides and optionally trifloxysulfuron; and an effective amount of a solution of grass sulfonamide as a safener.

[0015] As listed below, examples of methods according to the present invention are provided.

[0016] In one embodiment, trifloxysulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridinesulfonamide) is applied to turfgrass.

[0017] In another embodiment, trifloxysulfuron can be administered or formulated in the form of a salt, such as a sodium salt (CAS RN: 199119-58-9), in the form of a hydrate, or both (e.g., trifloxysulfuron-Na B-hydrate (CAS RN: 290332-10-4)). Unless otherwise specifically stated, references to trifloxysulfuron herein should be understood to mean trifloxysulfuron, its salts or hydrates.

[0018] In one embodiment, a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron is applied to turfgrass at a rate of 5 to 56 g ai / ha, more specifically 18 to 28 g ai / ha.

[0019] In one embodiment, sulfonamide, which is (2-methoxy-N-[[4-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]benzamide), is used as a safener in the compositions or methods of the invention.

[0020] In another embodiment, oxazolidinone can be administered or formulated in the form of a crystalline polymorph designated as Form 1, as described in WO 2013 / 117691, characterized, for example, by a powder X-ray diffraction pattern expressed in 2θ angles, wherein the powder X-ray diffraction pattern comprises at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least 7 or all 2θ angle values ​​(in degrees) selected from the group consisting of: 7.4±0.2, 9.3±0.2, 11.7±0.2, 12.0±0.2, 14.3±0.2, 15.1±0.2, 17.4±0.2 and 19.0±0.2. Form 1 has a melting point of 198°C±5°C. This melting point is obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10°C / min.

[0021] In another embodiment, oxazolidinone can be administered or formulated in the form of a crystalline polymorph designated as Form 2, as described in WO 2013 / 117691, characterized by a powder X-ray diffraction pattern expressed in 2θ angles, wherein the powder X-ray diffraction pattern includes at least one 2θ angle value at 9.0±0.2; and a 2θ angle value at 21.7±0.2; and at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or all 2θ angle values ​​selected from the group consisting of: 7.7±0.2, 11.9±0.2, 13.4±0.2, 15.0±0.2, 15.6±0.2, 16.1±0.2, and 18.0±0.2. Form 2 has a melting point of 216°C±5°C. This melting point is obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10°C / min.

[0022] In another embodiment, sulfonamide may be administered or formulated in the form of a crystalline polymorph designated as Form 3, such as Form WO 2013 / 117691, which is characterized by a powder X-ray diffraction pattern expressed in 2θ angles, wherein the powder X-ray diffraction pattern includes a 2θ angle value at 16.9±0.2; and a 2θ angle value at 18.9±0.2; and at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, at least ten or all 2θ angle values ​​selected from the group consisting of: 7.5±0.2, 12.3±0.2, 13.4±0.2, 14.4±0.2, 14.9±0.2, 15.8±0.2, 18.3±0.2, 20.9±0.2, 21.9±0.2, 22.6±0.2 and 23.8±0.2. Form 3 has a melting point of 202°C±5°C. This melting point was obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10°C / min.

[0023] Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to sulfonamide herein should be understood to mean sulfonamide as (2-methoxy-N-[[4-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]benzamide) or a polymorph thereof (Form 1, Form 2 or Form 3).

[0024] In one embodiment, the effective amount of sulfonamide as a safener is a safening or detoxifying effective amount. Preferably, the safening or detoxifying effective amount of sulfonamide is applied to lawn grass at a rate of 5 to 300 g ai / ha, more specifically 25 to 150 g ai / ha.

[0025] In one embodiment, in the method of the present invention, a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and a safening effective amount of sulfonamide are applied to the lawn field simultaneously or sequentially. In a preferred embodiment, trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and sulfonamide are applied to the lawn field simultaneously, preferably with the safening herbicidal composition of the present invention.

[0026] Preferably, in the method of the present invention, trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and oxazolidinone are applied to the lawn site simultaneously or sequentially by post-emergence foliar treatment, more preferably post-emergence aqueous spray foliar treatment. More preferably, trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and oxazolidinone are applied to the lawn site simultaneously by post-emergence foliar treatment with an aqueous spray composition.

[0027] In one embodiment, trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and oxazolidinone are applied to the lawn field with an aqueous spray composition. In another embodiment, the aqueous spray volume applied to the lawn field is 100 to 300 l / ha; preferably, the water volume of the aqueous spray composition applied to the lawn field is 150 to 200 l / ha.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lawn field is subjected to 1 to 3 post-emergence sequential foliar applications of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and sulfonamide at 7 to 42 day spray schedules or intervals, preferably at 14 to 21 day intervals.

[0029] In one embodiment, in the method of the present invention, a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and a safening amount of sulfonamide (i.e., an effective amount of sulfonamide as a safener) are applied to a turfgrass field comprising unwanted broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds to be controlled and desired ALS (trifloxysulfuron) susceptible warm season (C4) turfgrass species (such as St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass ). For example, the term "turfgrass site" means an area where both broadleaf weeds or grass weeds and desired ALS-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass species are present in an area that has emerged, is growing, or is established, such as: golf courses (greens, fairways, tee boxes, and rough areas), sports fields, industrial turfgrass, residential turfgrass, amenity grasslands or grounds, lawns or turfgrass around airports; cemeteries; commercial facilities and rights-of-way; places of worship; military and other institutions; multi-family dwellings; parks; picnic grounds; roadsides; schools; pastures; etc. In the context of the present invention, although a turfgrass site may further include other types of plants, weeds, or vegetation, the present invention relates to a method for controlling unwanted weeds (broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds, or grass weeds) present in such a site that includes emerged, growing, and established vegetation.

[0030] The term "susceptible" means that the turfgrass species is sensitive or likely to be damaged by the application of ALS herbicides (trifloxysulfuron) in the absence of sulfamethoxazole. For example, damage (particularly significant or excessive damage) means unacceptable levels of phytotoxicity, bleaching or stunting of the turfgrass, and / or unacceptable reduction in turfgrass color and quality. Turfgrass color and quality is an industry standard assessment based on a scale of 1 to 9, with 9 indicating a dark green color and the highest quality of the lawn. The assessment of turfgrass quality is based on several factors, including stunting, uniformity and density of the turfgrass clumps. Turfgrass quality of 6 or less is considered unacceptable.

[0031] Therefore, it is useful for reducing the growth of warm-season (C4) turfgrasses such as St. Augustine grass or St. Augustine grass caused by the application of an ALS herbicide such as trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate alone or in combination with one or more co-herbicidal compounds. Keyu grass The method for treating phytotoxicity comprises applying to the turfgrass field a detoxifying effective amount of sulfonamide.

[0032] Advantageously, in the practice of the present invention, a herbicide combination comprising trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and a safener is applied to selectively control weeds in turfgrass without adversely affecting the efficacy of the herbicide, wherein the safener is sulfonamide. Preferably, the combination comprises a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and a safening amount of sulfonamide. The turfgrass is an ALS (trifloxysulfuron) susceptible warm season (C4) turfgrass species (such as St. Augustine grass or gram Grass cultivation The method for selective weed control in such turfgrasses is carried out with reduced phytotoxicity / herbicidal damage to otherwise susceptible turfgrasses and without reducing or adversely affecting the herbicidal activity of trifloxysulfuron against unwanted target weeds. The weeds to be controlled are unwanted broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds or also unwanted established turfgrasses growing in turfgrass fields (such as, for example, ryegrass, Bermuda grass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue and bluegrass).

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ALS (trifloxysulfuron) susceptible warm season (C4) turfgrass species (such as St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass ) in the presence of turfgrass, comprises applying to the turfgrass field a broadleaf weed, sedge weed or grass weed controlling amount of an aqueous spray composition, wherein the composition comprises a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and an effective amount (safening amount) of sulfonamide as a safener; wherein trifloxysulfuron is applied to the turfgrass field at a rate of 5 to 56 g ai / ha, more specifically at a rate of 18 to 28 g ai / ha. sulfonamide is applied to the turfgrass field at a rate of 5 to 300 g ai / ha, more specifically at a rate of 25 to 150 g ai / ha.

[0034] Suitable weight ratios of trifloxysulfuron and oxazolidinone compounds are obtained, for example, by the application rates of the individual compounds indicated above. In one embodiment, the mixing ratio of trifloxysulfuron (T) according to the present invention and oxazolidinone (M) compounds in the method of the present invention is, for example: 5 to 56 g (T): 5 to 300 g (M); in particular 18 to 28 g (T): 25 to 150 g (M). As noted, other ratios will be apparent to those skilled in the art for any given scenario or based on the application rates indicated above and the herbicide concentrations in suitable commercial formulations for preparing aqueous spray formulations to be used in the method of the present invention. In one embodiment, the weight ratio (w / w) of trifloxysulfuron and oxazolidinone used in the solid or aqueous spray composition (including tank-mixed compositions) used in the practice of the method of the present invention is 1:1 to 1:4, in particular 1:2 to 1:3.

[0035] According to the method of the present invention, an aqueous spray composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and an effective amount of a sulfonamide safener can be used to treat ALS (trifloxysulfuron) susceptible warm season (C4) turfgrass species (such as St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass ) in the presence of a plant. The control or modification includes all deviations from natural development, such as killing, blocking, leaf burning, bleaching, dwarfing, preventing germination, etc. For example, broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds that are not killed are usually stunted and flowering is interrupted and not competitive. The term 'plant' refers to all visible parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, young plants, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, leaves and fruits.

[0036] In one embodiment, an aqueous spray composition is used in the method of the present invention, which can be prepared on-site by the end user by mixing water, a composition containing trifloxysulfuron with a composition containing sulfonamide and optionally a suitable surfactant or adjuvant (such as methylated seed oil, etc.) shortly before foliar application to unwanted broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds, or grass weeds grown in the presence of ALS (trifloxysulfuron) susceptible warm season (C4) turfgrass species to be managed or controlled. Such compositions are typically referred to as "tank mix" compositions. Suitable tank mix compositions can be prepared by mixing compositions of commercially available active ingredients. Examples of suitable commercial trifloxysulfuron formulations include: 75WG (Syngenta).

[0037] Alternatively, the composition used in the method of the invention can be provided to the end user already formulated at the desired dilution for application ("ready-to-use" composition), or supplied as a preformulated concentrate that needs to be diluted, dispersed or dissolved in water by the end user ("concentrate" composition). Ready-to-use forms are particularly suitable for the consumer market. Concentrate formulations can be used for both the consumer market and the professional market. Such preformulated concentrates can be liquids or granular solids.

[0038] In another embodiment, the method of the present invention is carried out by applying a dry solid granular herbicidal composition comprising a mixture of a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron and an effective amount of a sulfamethoxam safener and an agriculturally acceptable adjuvant or carrier.

[0039] Compositions that can be used in the method of the invention are usually formulated in a variety of ways using formulation adjuvants such as carriers, solvents and surface-active substances. Concentrate compositions 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 (with water or water-miscible organic solvents as carriers), impregnated polymer films or in other known forms, for example, from Manual on Development and Use of FAO and WHO Specifications for Pesticides [Manual on the Development and Use of FAO and WHO Standards for Pesticides], United Nations, First Edition, Second Revision (2010). As noted above, such compositions can be used directly, such as by drying solid particles, or by diluting with water by tank mixing before use, such as by water-dispersible particles. Dilution can be carried out, for example, with water, liquid fertilizers, micronutrients, biological organisms, oils or solvents.

[0040] In one embodiment, a composition of trifloxysulfuron and sulfoxamide is provided, wherein the weight ratio (w / w) of trifloxysulfuron to sulfoxamide in the composition is 1:2 to 1:4, in particular 1:2 to 1:3. In one embodiment, the composition is a water dispersible granule (WG).

[0041] Aqueous spray compositions can be prepared, for example, by mixing trifloxysulfuron and sulfoxasulfonamide ("active ingredients") with formulation adjuvants to obtain compositions in the form of finely divided solids, granules, solutions, dispersions, emulsions, microemulsions or suspoemulsions. These 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.

[0042] These active ingredients can also be contained in very fine microcapsules. Microcapsules contain active ingredients in porous carriers. This allows the active ingredient to be released (e.g., slowly released) into the environment in a controlled amount. Microcapsules generally have a diameter of from 0.1 to 500 microns. The amount of active ingredients they contain is from about 25% to 95% of the capsule weight by weight. These active ingredients can be in the form of an overall 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, wherein 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 encapsulated.

[0043] Formulation adjuvants suitable for preparing aqueous spray compositions for use in the method of the invention are known per se. As liquid carriers, use may be made of: 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-di Methylformamide, 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 Oily esters, triacetin, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, cumene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, 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, tetrahydrofuranol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, etc.

[0044] Suitable solid carriers are, for example, talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, aluminum silicate, attapulgite clay, diatomaceous earth, ammonium chloride-formaldehyde-urea copolymers, polymethyl urea resins, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed hulls, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and similar substances, or mixtures thereof.

[0045] Many surface-active substances including dispersants and wetting agents can be advantageously used 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 agents, dispersants or suspending agents or for other purposes. Typical surface-active substances include, for example, salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium dodecyl sulfate; salts of alkylaryl sulfonates, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; sodium ligninsulfonate, alkylphenol / alkylene oxide addition products, such as ethoxylated nonylphenol; alcohol / alkylene oxide addition products, such as ethoxylated tridecanol; polymers or copolymers, such as acrylate copolymers, acrylic acid / styrene copolymers, methacrylic acid copolymers, maleic anhydride diisobutylene copolymer sodium salt, furandione polymer sodium salt with trimethylpentene and dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt; soaps such as sodium stearate; salts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonates such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkylsulfosuccinate salts such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitan esters such as sorbitan oleate; quaternary ammonium 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 di-alkyl phosphates; and other materials, for example, as described in: McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood New Jersey (1981).

[0046] Additional adjuvants that can be used in pesticidal formulations include crystallization inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, suspending agents, dyes, antioxidants, anti-foaming agents, light absorbers, mixing aids, defoamers, complexing agents, substances and buffers that neutralize or change the pH, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances, wetting agents, absorption enhancers, micronutrients, plasticizers, glidants, lubricants, dispersants, thickeners, antifreeze agents, microbicides, and liquid and solid fertilizers.

[0047] The composition that can be used in the method according to the invention may contain an additive, which comprises 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 composition according to the invention is generally 0.01% to 10% based on the mixture to be applied. For example, the oil additive can be added to the spray tank in the 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 C8-C 22 Alkyl esters of fatty acids, especially C 12 -C 18 Methyl derivatives of fatty acids, such as the methyl esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid (methyl laurate, methyl palmitate and methyl oleate, respectively). Many oil derivatives are known from the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 10th edition, Southern Illinois University, 2010.

[0048] The composition that can be used in the method of the present invention generally comprises 0.1% to 99% by weight, more specifically 10% to 95%, especially 50% to 75% by weight of active ingredient and 1% to 99.9% by weight of formulation adjuvant, the formulation adjuvant preferably includes 0 to 25% by weight, preferably 5% to 15% by weight of one or more surface active substances, such as salts of alkylaryl sulfonates, salts of alkylnaphthalene sulfonates and / or copolymeric surfactants; and 0 to 25% by weight of carrier. Although commercial products for tank mixing can preferably be formulated as liquid or solid concentrates, aqueous spray compositions applied by end users generally adopt diluted formulations.

[0049] In one embodiment, a suitable composition is a water dispersible granule comprising:

[0050] a) 10 to 25% by weight of trifloxysulfuron; preferably 18 to 22% by weight of trifloxysulfuron;

[0051] b) 25 to 65% by weight of sulfonamide; preferably 30 to 60% by weight of sulfonamide;

[0052] c) 5 to 15% by weight of one or more surface-active substances; preferably 10 to 15% by weight of one or more surface-active substances;

[0053] d) 0 to 1% by weight of a defoaming agent; and

[0054] e) 5 to 30% by weight of one or more inert solid carriers; preferably 5 to 15% by weight of one or more inert solid carriers,

[0055] Relative to the total weight of the herbicide composition.

[0056] In one embodiment, the aqueous spray composition used in the method is applied as an aqueous spray application after emergence completed in a conventional manner (irrigation, spraying, atomization), including aqueous foliar spray application after emergence. In the context of the present invention, the term "post-emergence" means that once the target broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds emerge from the lawn grass field containing ALS (trifloxysulfuron) susceptible warm season type (C4) lawn grass species, the spray composition is applied. In another embodiment, the target broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds that emerge will include growing plants and grown plants. Trifloxysulfuron and oxazolidinone compounds are applied simultaneously or can be applied to the lawn grass field in sequence (in any order). In this case, these components are typically applied within 3 days from each other, and most preferably applied within 24 hours. Suitably, all these components are placed within a time period of several hours (such as one hour). Alternatively, and preferably, each component is applied to the lawn grass field simultaneously by applying a single herbicidal aqueous spray composition aqueous spray. Aqueous spray compositions can be prepared by diluting or dispersing a liquid or solid concentrate in water. If the components are sprayed simultaneously, they can be placed individually, or as a tank mix, or as a preformulated mixture of all the components, or as a preformulated mixture of some components and then tank mixed with the remaining components.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, a method for controlling unwanted broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds in a turfgrass field comprises applying to the turfgrass field an ALS (trifloxysulfuron) susceptible warm season (C4) turfgrass species (preferably St. Augustine grass or Keyu grass ) is applied to the foliage of the unwanted broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds that have emerged, are growing or are established in the presence of a sedge. The method of the present invention can also be used to spot treat broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds growing in a turfgrass field, or to eliminate all broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds or grass weeds from a turfgrass field.

[0058] In one embodiment, with respect to a particular turf grass field, the method of the present invention can be carried out with an application program comprising 1 to 3 applications followed by sequential spraying at a 7 to 42 day spray schedule, preferably at 14 to 21 day intervals.

[0059] If desired, the present invention includes the mixture using more than one herbicide, for example to enhance the weed control spectrum. For example, mesotrione, sulcotrione, benzobicyclol, tampron and fenpyrazone (HPPD herbicide chemicals, triketone). Others include isoxazole herbicide chemicals-isoxazoline and isoxazoline, and pyrazole herbicide chemicals-pyraclostrobin, pyrazol and benzylchlor. Trifloxypyrsulfuron (sulfonylurea herbicide chemicals) trifloxypyrsulfuron is only one of many herbicides used as sulfonylurea herbicides. Other sulfonylurea herbicides include mesotrione acid, chlorsulfuron, chlorpyrifossulfuron, foramsulfuron, sulfonesulfuron, sulfosulfuron and flazasulfuron, methyl iodosulfuron acid. The example of imidazolinone herbicide chemicals includes imidazoquinoline acid, imazapic acid and imazapic acid. Examples of triazolopyrimidine herbicide chemicals include clorac-sulam, bispyribac, fluazifop-butyl, penoxsulam. Examples of pyrimidine benzoate herbicide chemicals include sodium bispyribac. Examples of sulfonylaminocarbonyl-triazolinone herbicide chemicals include sodium fluazifop-butyl, thiocarb-butyl methyl. Fluazifop-butyl (aryloxyphenoxy-propionate "FOPS") herbicide chemicals - fluazifop-butyl, cyhalofop-butyl, cyhalofop-butyl, oxadiazine, oxadiazine, high-efficiency fluazifop-butyl, oxadiazine, oxadiazine and quinazolin. Examples of cyclohexanedione "DIMS" herbicide chemicals include fenpyroxetine, butyric acid, sethoxydim, cypermethrin, cyproconazole, sethoxydim, pyraclostrobin, trimethylolpropane.

[0060] Mixtures of more than one safener (such as, for example, oxalic acid, cyprosulfuron and isoxadiazole) in combination with oxadiazole may also be used to increase selectivity (ie, reduce injury to a wider range of desirable turfgrass species by the herbicidal composition).

[0061] In some cases, it has been shown that herbicidal active ingredients are more effective in combination with plant growth regulators (PGRs) than when applied alone. Combinations with the following groups of PGR compounds and PGR chemicals are indicated: Plant growth regulators include azole PGR chemicals (such as uniconazole and paclobutrazol), cyclohexanecarboxylic acid esters (salts) (such as trinexapac-ethyl and prohexadione-calcium), pyrimidinyl carbinols (such as furamidol and cyprodinil), quaternary ammonium salts (such as chlormequat-chloride and mepiquat), sulfonyl-aminophenyl-acetamides (such as mesotrione), cycloalkanes (such as 1-methylcyclopropene), and hydrochlorides (such as aminoethoxyvinylglycine). Plant growth regulators such as trinexapac-ethyl are commonly used on lawns to improve lawn color, quality, reduce mowing, and improve rooting.

[0062] The method of the present invention can be used to combat many unwanted grass, sedge and broadleaf weeds in turfgrass fields. For example, the unwanted grass weeds, sedge weeds and broadleaf weeds to be managed or controlled by the methods of the present invention include, for example, dicotyledonous weeds such as Allium spp., Alternanthera spp., Aphanes spp., Cerastium spp., Dichondra spp., Diodia spp., Euphorbia spp., Geranium spp., Glechoma spp., Gnaphalium spp., Hydrocotyle spp., Hypochaeris spp., Indigofera spp., Kyllinga spp. spp.), Lamium spp., Medicago spp., Mollugo spp., Oxalis spp., Ranunculus spp., Soliva spp., Stellaria spp., Taraxacum spp., Trifolium spp., Veronica spp., and Viola spp.

[0063] The compositions and methods of the invention may also be used to control dicots such as English lawn daisy (Bellis perennis) or mallow (Malva spp.) in St. Augustine grass and creosote grass in turf grass fields.

[0064] The present invention can also be used to control monocotyledonous weeds, such as Bromus spp., Capsella spp., Celosia spp., Digitaria spp., Festuca spp., Hordeum spp., Lolium spp., Panicum spp., Paspalum spp., Poa spp., Poaceae spp. (both inherently susceptible biotypes and resistant (e.g., ALS-resistant) biotypes of any of these grass weeds), and sedges, such as Cyperus spp.

[0065] More specifically, among the weeds that can be controlled by the compositions of the invention, mention may be made of monocotyledonous weeds such as large smooth crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria ischaemum), Bahiagrass (suppression) (Paspalum spp.), Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus spp.), Broadleaf signalgrass (Urochloa platyphylla), Torpedograss (suppression) (Panicum repens), Dallisgrass (suppression) (Paspalum dilatatum), Annual Sedge (Cyperus compressu), Globe Sedge (Cyperus globulosus), Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua), Rescuegrass (Bromus catharticus), Cock's-Comb (Celosia argentea), Ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Shephard's-purse (Capsellabursa-pastoris), Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea), Little Barley (Hordeum pusillum), Cyperus oleifera, and dicotyledonous weeds such as dandelion (Taraxacum spp.; Taraxacum officinale), hops, white and red clover (Trifolium spp. spp.), chickweed (Stellaria media), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis), oxalis (Oxalis spp.; Oxalis acetosella), dollar weed (Coriander (Coriander), wild violets (Viola spp.), black clover (Medicago lupulina), buttercup (Ranunculus sardous), carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), virginia buttonweed (seedlings) (Diodia virginiana), field pansy (Viola arvensis), narrowleaf cudweed (Gnaphalium falcatum), car'sear dandelion (Hypochaeris radicata), green kyllinga (Kyllinga brevifolia), parsley piert (Aphanes arvensis), carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum), rabbitsfoot clover (Trifolium arvense), kyllinga (Kyllinga spp.), Alternanthera pungens, lawn burweed (Soliva sessilis), spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata), creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata), lawn pennywort (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides), wild garlic (Allium ursinum), dichondra (Dichondra spp.), mouseear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum).

[0066] In some embodiments, undesirable established turf grasses such as perennial ryegrass, Bermuda grass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue and bluegrass growing in a turf grass field can be removed from the turf grass field in the context of the present invention. Thus, the present invention also provides a method of removing undesirable established turf grasses from a turf grass field selected from St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass A method for selectively controlling unwanted established turfgrass in the presence of desired turfgrass, the method comprising applying to the turfgrass field a composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and a safening amount of sulfamethoxam.

[0067] In one embodiment, susceptible / sensitive warm season (C4) turfgrass species in a turfgrass field include, but are not limited to, Bermudagrasses (Cynodon LCRich), Zoysiagrass (Zysiala Willd), St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze), Keyu grass (P. clandestinum), Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.). In one embodiment, the warm season (C4) turfgrass species is susceptible to ALS (trifloxysulfuron). In one embodiment, St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass .

[0068] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, undesirable established turfgrass selected from the group consisting of Bermuda grass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue and bluegrass (preferably Bermuda grass) in a turfgrass field can be converted more rapidly and economically to a grass selected from the group consisting of Zoysia, St. Augustine and Keyu grass (In traditional methods, Zoysia can be grown from sprigs, but a lengthy herbicide program with a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate is required to eradicate the existing lawn grass before the sprigs are planted).

[0069] According to an alternative embodiment, an area of ​​established turfgrass selected from the group consisting of Bermuda grass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue and bluegrass (preferably Bermuda grass) can be converted to a grass selected from the group consisting of Zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass(preferably Zoysia japonica); i.e., no need to eradicate established turfgrass with glyphosate or other such herbicides. This alternative approach also contemplates over-branching with a herbicide mixture comprising glyphosate sulfonamide and ACCase or a pyridine herbicide.

[0070] In one embodiment of the overplanting method, a grass selected from Zoysia, St. Augustine and Keyu grass Twigs (cuttings containing one or more nodes) of turf grass (preferably Zoysia) are broadcast directly over existing / established turf grass (selected from Bermuda grass, Seashore Paspalum, Creeping Bentgrass, Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass (preferably Bermuda grass)) growing at the turf grass site at 100 to 200 m3 / ha (1200 to 200 bushels / acre). The twigs are then curled to ensure twig-soil contact and top-dressed with sand or soil to retain moisture.

[0071] Subsequently, a herbicidally effective amount of a herbicide selected from ACCase herbicides and pyridine herbicides and an effective amount of sulfonamide as a safener are applied to the lawn grass field. Optionally, trifloxysulfuron can be applied to the existing over-vegetated lawn grass together with sulfonamide (in the weight ratios described herein) and ACCase and / or pyridine herbicides; in one embodiment, such herbicide / sulfonamide application is performed about 1 week after over-vegetation, that is, wherein the selected from Zoysia, St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass Sprigs of lawn grass (preferably Zoysia) are spread over existing lawn grass (selected from Bermuda grass, Seashore Paspalum, Creeping Bentgrass, Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass (preferably Bermuda grass)).

[0072] In the practice of the over-branching embodiment, oxazolidinone can be applied at 5 to 300 g ai / ha, more specifically 25 to 150 g ai / ha (with or without trifloxysulfuron in the weight ratios and ratios described herein). ACCase herbicides (e.g., fluazifop-butyl) can be applied at 70 to 560 g ai / ha, more specifically 105 to 560 g ai / ha. When present, pyridine herbicides (e.g., triclopyr) can be applied at 280 to 2240 g ai / ha.

[0073] In one embodiment, the lawn field is subjected to 1 to 3 post-emergence sequential foliar applications of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and sulfonamide at 7 to 42 day spray schedules or intervals, preferably at 14 to 21 day intervals.

[0074] The composition comprises a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate and a safening amount of sulfamethoxam

[0075] In one embodiment, an established lawn area with 'Tifway' Bermuda grass is overseeded with 'Zorro' Zoysia grass at 1600 to 2000 bushels per acre, followed by 2 applications of a composition comprising trifloxysulfuron, sulfamethoxam and fluazifop-P-ethyl (and optionally triclopyr) at the rates mentioned above at 5 week intervals to produce 95% Zoysia grass cover 10 weeks after seeding (1 US bushel is approximately 35.3 liters or 0.0353 cubic meters).

[0076] Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example. It will be appreciated that modifications of detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0077] Examples

[0078] Example 1

[0079] In a trial conducted on St. Augustine grass variety 'Classic', trifloxysulfuron (TSS) (Monument 75WDG) was applied at 28 g ai / ha with or without sulfoxime applied at 30, 75 and 150 g ai / ha. Two applications (primary and second treatments) were made at 30 day intervals. Trifloxysulfuron alone caused significant injury (80% to 90%). sulfoxime provided almost complete trifloxysulfuron safening.

[0080] Less than 5% lesions were observed on all evaluation dates.

[0081]

[0082] *DAIT - days after initial administration

[0083] **LSD P=0.05

[0084] Example 2

[0085] In the koji grass trial, trifloxysulfuron (TSS) (Monument 75WDG) was applied alone at 28g ai / ha and compared to a mixture of TSS and mesotrione (MET). The TSS-MET mixture contained trifloxysulfuron and mesotrione in a ratio of 20 to 75g. Both Monument and the TSS-MET mixture were applied at 28g ai / ha TSS. Two applications were made at 28-day intervals. Trifloxysulfuron alone caused significant injury (40%). Mesotrione provided almost complete trifloxysulfuron safening. Less than 10% injury was observed on all assessment dates.

[0086]

[0087] *DAA-1 - days after the first administration; DAA-2 - days after the second administration

[0088] **Duhn's HSD P=0.05

[0089] These data demonstrate the effectiveness and novelty of safening trifloxysulfuron with fensulfuron on susceptible / sensitive warm-season (C4) turfgrass species, particularly St. Augustinegrass and Cremorne.

Claims

1. A method for selectively controlling weeds in ALS herbicide-susceptible turfgrass, the method comprising applying to the ALS herbicide-susceptible turfgrass a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and a safening amount of sulfamethoxam.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising selectively controlling unwanted weeds in a turfgrass field in the presence of ALS herbicide-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass, the method comprising applying to the turfgrass field an herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and a safening amount of sulfamethoxam.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising: Keyu grass The method is to selectively control unwanted weeds in the presence of warm-season grasses without adversely affecting the herbicidal efficacy, the method comprising applying to the turfgrass field a composition comprising an herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or a salt or hydrate thereof and a safening amount of sulfamethoxam.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Trifloxysulfuron is applied to the turf grass field at a rate of 5 to 56 g ai / ha; more specifically 18 to 28 g ai / ha.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Oxalsulfonamide as (2-methoxy-N-[[4-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]benzamide) was applied to the turf grass field.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Sulfosulfonamide is administered or formulated as a crystalline polymorph selected from the group consisting of a polymorph designated Form 1, a polymorph designated Form 2, and a polymorph designated Form 3.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Glysulfuronamide was applied to the turfgrass field at a rate of 5 to 300 g ai / ha.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Trifloxysulfuron and sulfamethoxam were applied simultaneously to the turfgrass field.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Trifloxysulfuron and sulfamethoxam were applied to the turfgrass field via post-emergence foliar treatment.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Trifloxysulfuron and sulfamethoxam were applied to the turfgrass field in an aqueous spray composition.

11. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The aqueous spray volume applied to the lawn field was 100 to 300 l / ha.

12. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Trifloxysulfuron and sulfamethoxam were applied to the turfgrass fields in a 7 to 42 day spray schedule with 1 to 3 post-emergence sequential foliar applications.

13. The method according to claims 1-2 and 4-16, wherein: The susceptible turf grass is a warm-season (C4) turf grass species selected from Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Zoysia grass (Zodiaceae), St. Augustine grass (Odontoides), Centipedegrass (Centipedegrass), Buffalo grass (Buffalograss), and Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The susceptible turf grass is selected from St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass .

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The unwanted weeds are selected from dicotyledonous weeds such as Allium species, Alternanthera species, Nelumbo species, Eargrass species, Horseshoe Metal species, Dipterocarpus species, Euphorbia species, Geranium species, Bloodroot species, Gnaphalium species, Cilantro species, Catears species, Indigo species, Water Centipede species, Sesame species, Medicago species, Corn Grass species, Oxalis species, Ranunculus species, Gymnocydium species, Chickweed species, Taraxacum species species, such as Bromus species, Shepherd's purse species, Amaranthus species, Digitaria species, Festuca species, Hordeum species, Lolium species, Panicum species, Paspalum species, Poa species, Poaceae species (both the inherently susceptible biotypes and the resistant (e.g., ALS-resistant) biotypes of any of these Poaceae weeds), and sedges, such as Cyperus species, monocotyledonous weeds , such as large and smooth crabgrass (Digitaria, Digitaria hemostatica), Paspalum (suppression) (Paspalum species), Cyperus (Cyperus species), Broadleaf signal grass (Broadleaf tail grass), Sclerostemon (suppression) (Pitchfork), Paspalum (suppression) (Paspalum hairy), Annual sedge (Sedge flat spike), Ball spike sedge (Sedge head spike), Annual bluegrass (Poa annua), Flat spike brome (Big flat brome), Cockscomb (Amaranthus cyanus), Lolium (Perennial ryegrass), Shepherd's purse (Shepherd's purse), Tall fescue (Festuca australis), small-grain barley (Hordeum vulgare), Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus oleifera), and dicot weeds such as dandelions (Taraxacum species; Taraxacum officinale), hops, white and red clover (Trifolium species), chickweed (Chickentail), Prunella vulgaris (Prunella vulgaris), Veronica persica (Veronica erecta), Oxalis (Oxalis species; Oxalis alba), moneywort (Giantia corylifolia), wild violets (Viola species), black clover (Medicago lupulina), buttercup (European buttercup), corn grass (corn grass), mint (money mint), Virginia button grass (seedling) (Virginia button grass), field violet (wild violet), narrow-leaved calendula (sickly calendula), car's ear dandelion (cat's ear), water centipede (brevifolia), grass mantle (wild grass), wild geranium (Carolina), rabbit's foot clover (rabbit's foot clover), water centipede (water centipede species), spiny flowered lily (ground mine grass), lawn burr weed (false shamrock), variegated ground brocade (variegated ground brocade), indigo (indigo indigo), medium-flowered cilantro (cilantro), wild garlic (Allium ursinum), horsetail (Convolvulaceae) and sticky ear chicken grass (Spring clover).

16. A method for converting an established turf grass selected from the group consisting of Bermuda grass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue and bluegrass on a turf grass site, the method comprising: On the grown lawn grass of the lawn grass field, 100 to 200 cubic meters per hectare of grass selected from zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, and Keyu grass sprigs of lawn grass; as well as A herbicidally effective amount of a herbicide selected from the group consisting of ACCase herbicides, pyridine herbicides and optionally trifloxysulfuron and an effective amount of sulfamethoxam as a safener are applied to the turfgrass field.

17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A water-dispersible granule composition is used, which comprises trifloxysulfuron and sulfoxamide, and the weight ratio (w / w) of trifloxysulfuron to sulfoxamide is 1:2 to 1:

4.

18. A safening herbicide composition for turf grass susceptible to damage by ALS herbicides, the safening herbicide composition comprising: a) an herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate; and b) a safening amount of sulfamethoxam, wherein the safening herbicide composition is capable of making the trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate safe for the turf grass.

19. The composition of claim 18, comprising a water dispersible granular composition.

20. A method for reducing the growth of an ALS herbicide such as trifloxysulfuron or its salt or hydrate on a plant selected from St. Augustine grass and Keyu grass A method for detoxifying warm-season (C4) turfgrass phytotoxicity, the method comprising applying to a field of turfgrass a detoxifying effective amount of sulfonamide.

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