Spray bias aid

Abstract

A sprayable agrochemical formulation having agrochemical actives and / or nutrients and / or biostimulants, and methods of providing spray bias flow control while maintaining stability and reducing incompatibility in the formulation. The invention also includes methods of treating crop plants with such formulations. The present invention relates to an agrochemical formulation comprising at least one spray bias flow reducing agent, the spray bias flow reducing agent being a polyethylene glycol or polyacrylamide having a molecular weight in the range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 Daltons; the compatilizer is selected from ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, ethoxylated alkylamine quaternary ammonium or fatty amine ethoxylate; at least one inorganic mineral solid; and optionally at least one agrochemical active, nutrient or biostimulant. The formulation is characterized by the presence of a compatibilizer that reduces the incompatibility between the high molecular weight spray bias reducing agent and the inorganic mineral solids that are used as rheology modifiers for the end-use tank mix.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sprayable agrochemical formulation having an agrochemical active substance and / or nutrient and / or biostimulant, and a method of providing spray drift control while maintaining stability and reducing incompatibility in the formulation by using a compatibilizer. The present invention also includes a method of treating crops with such a formulation.

[0002] Many agricultural pesticides, including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, acaricides, and plant growth regulators, are applied in the form of liquid compositions. In addition to the pesticide, such liquid compositions typically contain one or more compounds intended to improve one or more properties of the liquid composition, such as storage stability, ease of handling, and / or pesticidal efficacy against the target organism.

[0003] The field of agricultural spray drift has been active for decades, and important findings have been published regarding the importance of the composition and properties of agricultural spray mixtures on the potential for small droplet formation and the impact of such effects on the potential for drift.

[0004] There has been a continuing interest in developing compounds for controlling the drift of insecticides applied by spraying, which compounds exhibit high performance when present in low amounts in the spray composition and are relatively insensitive to the amount of adjuvant in the spray composition. Other benefits suitable for adding value include improvements in limiting or reducing the formation of fine droplets that can drift under selected spraying conditions.

[0005] However, some spray drift adjuvants may cause incompatibility with certain other components in the formulation. Therefore, there is still a need to develop compositions that exhibit good spray drift performance while reducing any incompatibility problems and also having desirable storage stability.

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide the use of a compound in an agrochemical composition in combination with one or more agrochemical active substances and / or nutrients, wherein the compound can provide comparable (i.e., not reducing the spray pattern) or improved characteristics with respect to spray drift compared to a formulation without a spray drift reductant used, or compared to existing spray drift reductants. Specifically, the present invention seeks to provide a stable formulation.

[0007] The present invention also seeks to provide the use of an agrochemical concentrate and a diluted formulation containing the spray drift reductant. Additionally, the present invention attempts to provide a method of reducing spray drift, and a method of treating plant pests or providing nutrients while maintaining the compatibility of the components in the concentrated form and the diluted form of the formulation.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sprayable agrochemical formulation comprising:

[0009] i) At least one spraying drift reducing agent, which is polyethylene glycol or polyacrylamide having a molecular weight in the range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 daltons;

[0010] ii) A compatibilizer selected from ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, ethoxylated alkyl amine quaternary, or fatty amine ethoxylate;

[0011] iii) At least one inorganic mineral solid; and

[0012] iv) Optionally at least one agrochemical active substance, nutrient, or biostimulant.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a concentrate formulation suitable for preparing the sprayable agrochemical formulation of the first aspect, the concentrate formulation comprising a polyethylene glycol spraying drift reducing agent having a molecular weight of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 daltons, and optionally a compatibilizer selected from ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, ethoxylated alkyl amine quaternary, or fatty amine ethoxylate.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, ethoxylated alkyl amine quaternary, or fatty amine ethoxylate as a compatibilizer for a spraying drift reducing agent in an agrochemical formulation, the spraying drift reducing agent being polyethylene glycol or polyacrylamide having a molecular weight in the range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 daltons, the formulation comprising at least one inorganic mineral solid, and optionally at least one agrochemical active substance, nutrient, or biostimulant.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for reducing spraying drift by using the agrochemical formulation of the first aspect and / or the diluted concentrate formulation of the second aspect.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for treating vegetation to control pests and / or provide nutrients, the method comprising applying the formulation of the first or third aspect, and / or the diluted concentrate formulation of the second aspect, to the vegetation or the immediate environment of the vegetation.

[0017] It has been found that when used in an agrochemical formulation together with a spraying drift reducing agent and an inorganic mineral solid, the use of a compatibilizer having the above structure provides desired properties. It has been found that the compatibilizer can significantly reduce the incompatibility problems that occur with the combination of the spraying drift reducing agent and the inorganic mineral solid.

[0018] The present invention is characterized in that there is a compatibilizer - a formulation containing a high molecular weight spray drift reducer (e.g., PEG) generally has compatibility problems when used with an inorganic mineral solid that is a rheology modifier for end-use tank mixes.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "for example", "such as", "including", or "comprising" are intended to introduce examples that further clarify a more general subject. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are provided only to aid in understanding the applications shown in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0020] It should be understood that when describing the number of carbon atoms in a substituent (e.g., "C1 to C6 alkyl"), the number refers to the total number of carbon atoms present in the substituent, including any branched groups. Additionally, when describing the number of carbon atoms in, for example, a fatty acid, this refers to the total number of carbon atoms including the carbon atom at the carboxylic acid and those present in any branched groups.

[0021] As used herein, the term "concentrate" is well-known in the agrochemical field and refers to an agrochemical composition that is designed to be diluted with water (or a water-based liquid) to form the corresponding end-use agrochemical formulation, typically a spray formulation. Thus, the concentrate is formed and stored in concentrated form and diluted to the desired concentration prior to application.

[0022] As used herein, the term "drift" refers to the off-target movement of droplets of an agrochemical composition applied to a target pest or pest environment or provided as a nutrient. A composition applied by spraying generally exhibits a decreasing drift tendency as the relative amount of small-sized spray droplets (i.e., spray droplets having a droplet size below a given value, typically droplets with a size less than 105 microns) decreases, and the relative amount is typically expressed as a volume percentage of the total volume of spray droplets applied. Spray drift of pesticides can particularly have undesirable consequences such as the unintended contact of phytotoxic pesticides with non-pest plants such as crops or ornamental plants and damage to such non-pest plants.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "spray drift adjuvant" and "spray drift reducer" refer to compounds that, when added to a sprayable agrochemical formulation, can provide an observed reduction in spray drift compared to a formulation that does not contain the reagent.

[0024] The formulation contains a spray drift reducer, which is a water-soluble polymer capable of controlling, preferably reducing, spray drift. The reducer is selected from polyethylene glycol and polyacrylamide.

[0025] Polyethylene glycol (PEG) will be understood to refer to a compound having the structure H-(O-CH 2 CH 2 ) xPoly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with -OH.

[0026] The number-average molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (i.e., PEG chain) can preferably be in the range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 daltons, more preferably in the range of 2,000,000 to 4,500,000 daltons, and most preferably 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 daltons.

[0027] Polyacrylamide should be understood to refer to a polymer having the formula (-CH 2 CHCONH 2 -) y and having a linear structure.

[0028] The number-average molecular weight of polyacrylamide can preferably be in the range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 daltons, more preferably in the range of 2,000,000 to 4,500,000 daltons, and most preferably 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 daltons.

[0029] The agrochemical formulation of the present invention comprises a compatibilizer selected from ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, ethoxylated alkylamine quaternary ammonium or fatty amine ethoxylate.

[0030] The compatibilizer can be added to the tank mix mixture (i.e., the diluted form of the formulation for final use), or can be built-in (i.e., added to the concentrate). It should be understood that preferably the compatibilizer can be built-in and thus be able to provide stability to the formulation in both concentrated and diluted forms.

[0031] It should be understood that the compatibilizer will serve to reduce any compatibility problems that might otherwise occur due to the undesired interaction between the spray drift reducer and the inorganic mineral solids present.

[0032] Based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of the compatibilizer in the formulation is suitably in the range of 1 to 10% by weight, preferably 1.5 to 8% by weight, more preferably 2 to 7% by weight, especially 2.2 to 6% by weight, and particularly 3 to 5% by weight.

[0033] Based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of the compatibilizer in the diluted (spray tank) formulation is suitably in the range of 0.01 to 0.10% by weight, preferably 0.015 to 0.08% by weight, more preferably 0.02 to 0.07% by weight, especially 0.022 to 0.06% by weight, and particularly 0.03 to 0.05% by weight.

[0034] Polyethyleneimine (PEI) should be understood to refer to a polymer having an amine group and two carbon aliphatic CH 2 CH 2Polymers of repeating units composed of spacer groups. Polyethyleneimine (PEI, especially modified PEI) is a substance composed of ethyleneimine units -CH 2 CH 2 NH-, and in the case of branching, the hydrogen on the nitrogen is replaced by another chain of ethyleneimine units. These polyethyleneimines can be prepared, for example, by polymerizing ethyleneimine in the presence of catalysts such as carbon dioxide, sodium bisulfite, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, etc.

[0035] Preferably, the ethoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer is non-ionic. This means that except for the protonation of nitrogen which may be affected by pH, it does not contain any quaternary nitrogen, nitrogen oxides or any ionic substances.

[0036] Contrary to branched polyethyleneimine containing primary, secondary and tertiary amino groups, linear polyethyleneimine contains all secondary amines. Branched polyethyleneimine is preferred.

[0037] Preferably, the ethoxylated polyethyleneimine contains a polyethyleneimine backbone, and the modification of the polyethyleneimine backbone is aimed at leaving the polymer without quaternization.

[0038] The ethoxylated polyethyleneimine used herein suitably has a (weight-average) molecular weight in the range of 4,000 to 20,000, preferably 5,000 to 18,000, more preferably 6,000 to 16,000, especially 10,000 to 15,000. Most preferably, the ethoxylated polyethyleneimine has a molecular weight of 13,000.

[0039] The (weight-average) molecular weight of the ethoxylated polyethyleneimine described herein can be determined by techniques well known in the art, such as light scattering, size exclusion HPLC or mass spectrometry, preferably by mass spectrometry.

[0040] The degree of ethoxylation of polyethyleneimine, i.e., the number of ethylene oxide units per molecule, is preferably in the range of 10 to 30. More preferably in the range of 12 to 28. Further preferably in the range of 16 - 24. Most preferably in the range of 18 to 22.

[0041] Preferred ethoxylated polyethyleneimines may be selected from ethoxylated (18 EO) polyethyleneimine (400), ethoxylated (16 EO) polyethyleneimine (500), ethoxylated (18 EO) polyethyleneimine (500), ethoxylated (18 EO) polyethyleneimine (600), ethoxylated (20 EO) polyethyleneimine (600), ethoxylated (20 EO) polyethyleneimine (700), ethoxylated (20 EO) polyethyleneimine (500), ethoxylated (22 EO) polyethyleneimine (600), ethoxylated (22 EO) polyethyleneimine (500), ethoxylated (26 EO) polyethyleneimine (400), and ethoxylated (24 EO) polyethyleneimine (400).

[0042] More preferably, the ethoxylated polyethyleneimine may be selected from ethoxylated (18 EO) polyethyleneimine (400), ethoxylated (18 EO) polyethyleneimine (500), ethoxylated (18 EO) polyethyleneimine (600), ethoxylated (20 EO) polyethyleneimine (600), ethoxylated (20 EO) polyethyleneimine (700), ethoxylated (20 EO) polyethyleneimine (500), and ethoxylated (22 EO) polyethyleneimine (600).

[0043] Most preferably, the ethoxylated polyethyleneimine may be selected from ethoxylated (18 EO) polyethyleneimine (600), ethoxylated (20 EO) polyethyleneimine (600), and ethoxylated (22 EO) polyethyleneimine (600).

[0044] Ethoxylated alkyl amine quaternary ammonium compounds may be selected from those conforming to the following structure (I):

[0045]

[0046] wherein

[0047] R is a C6-C32 fatty alkyl chain;

[0048] R' is a C1-C6 alkyl or alkylene group;

[0049] the sum of m and n ranges from 8 to 40; and

[0050] X is a salt-forming counterion that renders the compound water-soluble or water-dispersible.

[0051] The fatty alkyl chain R may preferably be a C6-C26 fatty alkyl chain, more preferably a C8-C20 alkyl chain, and most preferably a C8-C18 alkyl chain. The fatty alkyl chain may preferably be derived from fatty acids and fatty alcohols.

[0052] Suitable linear fatty alcohols include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, coco alcohol, myristyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and lignoceryl alcohol. Suitable branched-chain fatty alcohols include isostearyl alcohol, isotetradecyl alcohol, isocetyl alcohol, isarachidyl alcohol, isobehenyl alcohol, and isolignoceryl alcohol; neo-alcohols, such as neodecanol; and / or anti-isoalcohols. Linear fatty alcohols are preferred, especially coco alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and / or stearyl alcohol, and especially coco alcohol.

[0053] Fatty alkyl chains derived from natural fatty acids and fatty alcohols can be particularly preferred, such as tallow, coco, and stearyl chains.

[0054] The quaternary ammonium group will have an associated counter anion X, which is typically the residue of the quaternizing agent. Common such ions include halide ions, especially chloride ions, such as those derived from alkyl (usually methyl) halides (usually chlorides) as quaternizing agents; sulfate or alkyl (usually methyl) sulfate, such as those derived from alkyl (usually methyl) sulfates as quaternizing agents. In betaine derivatives, the counter ion is provided by the acidic group of the betaine (usually a carboxylate).

[0055] Particularly preferred film-forming fatty quaternary ammonium compounds can be those in which R' is preferably a C1-C3 alkyl group, more preferably R' is selected from methyl or ethyl.

[0056] The values of m and n represent the number of alkoxylation units on the respective chains. Thus, the values of m and n will be integers and can be independently different or the same, preferably the same. The sum of m and n can preferably be in the range of 8 to 30, more preferably in the range of 10 to 26, and most preferably in the range of 12 to 18. Preferably, the total value of m and n is 15.

[0057] Preferred ethoxylated alkylamine quaternary ammonium compounds can be selected from: cocoalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride, cocoalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)ethyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride, cocoalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methyl ethoxylated (20EO) chloride, cocoalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methyl ethoxylated (10EO) chloride, and cocoalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)ethyl ethoxylated (10EO) chloride, stearylalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride, stearylalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)ethyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride, stearylalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methyl ethoxylated (20EO) chloride, stearylalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methyl ethoxylated (10EO) chloride, and stearylalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl)ethyl ethoxylated (10EO) chloride.

[0058] More preferably, the ethoxylated alkylamine quaternary compound may be selected from cocoalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl) methyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride, stearylalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl) methyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride, stearylalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl) ethyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride, and cocoalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl) ethyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride.

[0059] Most preferably, the ethoxylated alkylamine quaternary compound may be selected from stearylalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl) methyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride and cocoalkyl bis(hydroxyethyl) methyl ethoxylated (15EO) chloride.

[0060] The fatty amine ethoxylate may also be used as a compatibilizer and may be selected from those conforming to the following structure (II):

[0061]

[0062] wherein:

[0063] R is as defined herein;

[0064] The sum of m and n is in the range of 3 to 20.

[0065] The sum of m and n may preferably be in the range of 4 to 18, more preferably in the range of 4 to 16, and most preferably in the range of 5 to 15.

[0066] In an embodiment where the compatibilizer is a fatty amine ethoxylate, it can be found that the amount of the compatibilizer in the formulation is suitably in the range of 5 to 20% by weight, preferably 5 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0067] The compatibilizer can be prepared by any known method and is entirely within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0068] In one embodiment, the suspending agent component of the composition of the present invention may further comprise an inorganic, usually aluminosilicate or magnesium silicate, colloidal-forming clay, usually smectite (also known as montmorillonoid) clay, attapulgite (also known as palygorskite) clay, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the inorganic mineral solid is magnesium aluminum silicate.

[0069] When clay materials are used, they can be described as expandable layered clays, where the term "expandable" as used herein with respect to such clays refers to the ability of the layered clay structure to swell or expand upon contact with water.

[0070] The formulation / composition may comprise one or more bioactive ingredients (including plant boosters, especially plant protection products (also known as PPPs)). Suitable examples of active ingredients, especially plant boosters, are fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, nematicides, molluscicides, biopreparations, acaricides or miticides, pesticides and biocides.

[0071] Other possible active ingredients include disinfectants, microorganisms, rodenticides, weed killers (herbicides), attractants, (bird) repellents, plant growth regulators (such as gibberellic acid, auxins or cytokinins), nutrients (such as potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, iron chelates), plant hormones, minerals, plant extracts, germination stimulants, pheromones, biopreparations, etc.

[0072] Suitable agrochemical active substances for the formulations of the present invention are all agrochemical active compounds that can be solid or liquid at room temperature. It is expected that the adjuvants of the present invention will have a wide applicability to all types of agrochemical active substances.

[0073] Agrochemical active substances refer to biocides, which in the context of the present invention are plant protection agents, more specifically chemical substances capable of eradicating different forms of living organisms, which are used in fields such as medicine, agriculture, forestry and mosquito control. So-called plant growth regulators also belong to the category of biocides.

[0074] The biocides used in the agrochemical formulations of the present invention are generally divided into two subgroups:

[0075] ■ Pesticides, including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, algicides, molluscicides, acaricides and rodenticides, and

[0076] ■ Antimicrobials, including bactericides, antibiotics, antibacterial agents (antibacterial), antiviral agents, antifungal agents, antiprotozoal agents and antiparasitic agents.

[0077] In particular, biocides selected from insecticides (insecticides), fungicides or herbicides may be particularly preferred.

[0078] The term "pesticide" should be understood to mean any substance or mixture of substances used for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any disease. Pesticides can be chemical substances or biopreparations (such as viruses or bacteria) used against diseases, including insects, plant pathogens, weeds, molluscs, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms) and microorganisms, which compete with humans for food, damage property, spread diseases or cause nuisances. In the following examples, pesticides suitable for the agrochemical compositions according to the present invention are given.

[0079] A fungicide is a chemical control agent for fungi. A fungicide is a compound used to prevent the spread of fungi in gardens and crops. Fungicides are also used to combat fungal infections. Fungicides can be contact or systemic. Contact fungicides kill fungi when they come into contact with the fungicide retained on the leaf surface. Systemic fungicides are absorbed into plant tissues and kill fungi when they attempt to invade the host.

[0080] According to the present invention, examples of suitable fungicides include the following classes: (3-ethoxypropyl) mercuric bromide, 2-methoxyethyl mercuric chloride, 2-phenylphenol, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate, 8-phenylmercuri oxyquinoline, acibenzolar, acyl amino acid fungicides, acypetacs, aldimorph, aliphatic nitrogen fungicides, allyl alcohol, amide fungicides, ampropylfos, anilazine, amide fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, aromatic fungicides, aureofungin, azaconazole, azithiram, azoxystrobin, barium polysulphide, benalaxyl-M, benodanil, benomyl, benquinox, bentaluron, benthiavalicarb, benzalkonium chloride, benzamacril, benzamide fungicides, benzamorf, benzoyl aniline fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole precursor fungicides, benzimidazolyl carbamate fungicides, benzohydroxamic acid, benzothiazole fungicides, bethoxazin, binapacryl, biphenyl, bitertanol, bithionol, blasticidin-S, bordeaux mixture, boscalid, bridged diphenyl fungicides, bromuconazole, bupirimate, burgundy mixture, buthiobate, butylamine, calcium polysulphide, captafol, captan, carbamate fungicides, carbamorph, carbanilate fungicides, carbendazim, carboxin, carpropamid, carvone, Cheshunt mixture,chinomethionat, chlobenthiazone, chloraniformethan, chloranil, chlorfenazole, chlorodinitronaphthalene, chloroneb, chloropicrin, chlorothalonil, chlorquinox, chlozolinate, ciclopirox, climbazole, clotrimazole, conazole fungicides, conazole fungicides (imidazole type), conazole fungicides (triazole type), copper(II) acetate, copper(II) carbonate, basic copper fungicides, copper hydroxide, copper naphthenate, copper oleate, copper oxychloride, copper(II) sulfate, copper sulfate, copper zinc chromate, cresol, cufraneb, cuprobam, cuprous oxide, cyazofamid, cyclafuramid, cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicides, cycloheximide, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, cypendazole, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, dazomet, DBCP, debacarb, decafentin, dehydroacetic acid, dicarboximide fungicides, dichlofluanid, dichlone, dichlorophen, dichlorophenyl, dicarboximide fungicides, dichlozoline, diclobutrazol, diclocymet, diclomezine, dicloran, diethofencarb, diethylpyrocarbonate, difenoconazole, diflumetorim, dimethirimol,Dimethomorph, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole, dinitrophenol fungicides, dinobuton, dinocap, dinocton, dinopenton, dinosulphon, dinoterbon, diphenylamine, dipyrithione, disulphiram, ditalimfos, dithianon, dithiocarbamate fungicides, DNOC, dodemorph, dodicin, dodine, donatodine, drazoxolon, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, etem, ethaboxam, ethirimol, ethoxyquin, ethylmercury 2,3-dihydroxypropyl mercaptide, ethylmercury acetate, ethylmercury bromide, ethylmercury chloride, ethylmercury phosphate, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenaminosulph, fenapanil, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenitropan, fenoxanil, fenpiclonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, fludioxonil, flumetover, fluopicolide,fluoroimide, fluotrimazole, fluoxastrobin, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flusulphamide, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, formaldehyde, fosetyl, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, furamide fungicides, furanilide fungicides, furcarbanil, furconazole, furconazole-cis, furfural, furmecyclox, furophanate, glyodin, griseofulvin, guazatine, halacrinate, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene, hexachlorophene, hexaconazole, hexylthiofos, hydrargaphen, hymexazol, imazalil, imibenconazole, imidazole fungicides, iminoctadine, inorganic fungicides, inorganic mercury fungicides, iodomethane, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb, isoprothiolane, isovaledione, kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, lime sulphur, mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, mebenil, mecarbinzid, mepanipyrim, mepronil, mercuric chlorideMercuric oxide, mercurous chloride, mercury fungicides, metalaxyl, Metalaxyl-M, metam, metazoxolon, metconazole, methasulphocarb, methfuroxam, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, methylmercury benzoate, methylmercurydicyandiamide, methylmercury pentachlorophenoxide, metiram, metominostrobin, metrafenone, metsulphovax, milneb, morpholine fungicides, myclobutanil, myclozolin, N-(ethylmercury)-p-toluenesulfonanilide, nabam, natamycin, nitrostyrene, nitrothal-isopropyl, nuarimol, OCH, octhilinone, ofurace, organic mercury fungicides, organic phosphorus fungicides, organic tin fungicides, orysastrobin, oxadixyl, oxathiin fungicides, oxazole fungicides, oxine copper, oxpoconazole, oxycarboxin, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, pentachlorophenol, penthiopyrad, phenylmercuriurea, phenylmercury acetate, phenylmercury chloride, phenylmercury derivative of pyrocatechol, phenylmercurynitrate,phenylmercury salicylate, phenylsulphamide fungicides, phosdiphen, phthalide, phthalimide fungicides, picoxystrobin, piperalin, polycarbamate, polymericdithiocarbamate fungicides, polyoxins, polyoxorim, polysulfide fungicides, potassium azide, potassium polysulfide, potassium thiocyanate, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb, proquinazid, prothiocarb, prothioconazole, pyracarbolid, pyraclostrobin, pyrazole fungicides, pyrazophos, pyridine fungicides, pyridinitril, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyrimidine fungicides, pyroquilon, pyroxychlor, pyroxyfiir, pyrrole fungicides, quinacetol, quinazamid, quinconazole, quinoline fungicides, quinone fungicides, quinoxaline fungicides, quinoxyfen, quintozene, rabenzazole, salicylanilide, silthiofam, simeconazole, sodium azide, sodium orthophenylphenoxide, sodium pentachlorophenoxide, sodium polysulphide, spiroxamine, streptomycin, strobilurinfungicidesSulphonanilide fungicides, sulfur, sultropen, TCMTB, tebuconazole, tecloftalam, tecnazene, tecoram, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thiadifluor, thiazole fungicides, thicyofen, thifluzamide, thiocarbamate fungicides, thiochlorfenphim, thiomersal, thiophanate, thiophanate-methyl, thiophene fungicides, thioquinox, thiram, tiadinil, tioxymid, tivedo, tolclofos-methyl, tolnaftate, tolylfluanid, tolylmercury acetate, triadimefon, triadimenol, triamiphos, triarimol, triazbutil, triazine fungicides, triazole fungicides, triazoxide, tributyltin oxide, trichlamide, tricyclazole, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole, unclassified fungicides, undecylenic acid, uniconazole, urea fungicides, validamycin, valinamide fungicides, vinclozolin, zarilamid, zinc naphthenate, zineb, ziram, zoxamide and mixtures thereof.,

[0081] Herbicides are pesticides used to kill unwanted plants. Selective herbicides target specific objectives while leaving desired crops relatively unharmed. Some of these act by interfering with weed growth and are typically based on plant hormones. Herbicides used to clear waste areas are non-selective and kill all plant material with which they come into contact. Herbicides are widely used in agriculture and landscape turf management. They are applied in total vegetation control (TVC) programs for highway and railroad maintenance. Small amounts are used in the management of forestry, rangeland systems, and areas designated as wildlife habitats.

[0082] Examples of herbicides useful in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), 4-CPB, 4-CPP, 2,4-D, 3,4-DA, 2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid (2,4-DB), 3,4-DB, 2,4-DEB, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyethyl phosphate (2,4-DEP), 3,4-DP, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid (2,3,6-TBA), 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxybutyric acid (2,4,5-TB), acetochlor, acifluorfen, aclonifen, acrolein, alachlor, allidochlor, alloxydim, allyl alcohol, alorac, ametridione, ametryn, amibuzin, amicarbazone, amidosulfuron, aminocyclopyrachlor, aminopyralid, amiprofos-methyl, amitrole, ammonium sulfamate, anilofos, anisuron, asulam, atraton, atrazine, azafenidin, azimsulfuron, aziprotryne, barban, BCPC, beflubutamid, benazolin, bencarbazone, benfluralin, benfuresate, bensulfuron, bensulide, bentazone, benzadox, benzfendizone, benzipram, benzobicyclon, benzofenap, benzofluor, benzoylprop, benzthiazuron, bicyclopyrone, bifenox, bilanafos, bispyribac, borax, bromacil, bromobonil, bromobutide,bromofenoxim, bromoxynil, brompyrazon, butachlor, butafenacil, butamifos, butenachlor, buthidazole, buthiuron, butralin, butroxydim, buturon, butylate, cacodylic acid, cafenstrole, calcium chlorate, calcium cyanamide, cambendichlor, carbasulam, carbetamide, carboxazolechiorprocarb, carfentrazone, CDEA, CEPC, chlomethoxyfen, chloramben, chloranocryl, chlorazifop, chlorazine, chlorbromuron, chlorbufam, chloreturon, chlorfenac, chlorfenprop, chlorflurazole, chlorflurenol, chloridazon, chlorimuron, chlornitrofen, chloropon, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, chloroxynil, chlorpropham, chlorsulfuron, chlorthal, cinidon-ethyl, cinmethylin, cinosulfuron, cisanilide, clethodim, cliodinate, clodinafop, clofop, clomazone, clomeprop, cloprop, cloproxydim, clopyralidcloransulam, CMA, copper sulfate, CPMF, CPPC, credazine, cresol, cumyluron, cyanatryn, cyanazine, cycloate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, cycluron, cyhalofop, cyperquat, cyprazine, cyprazole, cypromid, daimuron, dalapon, dazomet, delachlor, desmedipham, desmetryn, diallate, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichloralurea, dichloiTnate, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-p, diclofop, diclosulam, diethamquat, diethatyl, difenopenten, difenoxuron, difenzoquat, diflufenican, diflufenzopyr, dimefuron, dimepiperate, dimethachlor, dimethametryn, dimethenamid, dimethenamid-P, dimexano, dimidazon, dinitramine, dinofenate, dinoprop, dinosam, dinoseb, dinoterb, diphenamid, dipropetryn, diquat, disul, dithiopyr, diuron, DMPA, DNOC, DSMA, EBEP, eglinazine, epronaz, EPTC, erbon,esprocarb, ethalfluralin, ethametsulfuron, ethidimuron, ethiolate, ethofumesate, ethoxyfen, ethoxysulfuron, etinofen, etnipromid, etobenzanid, EXD, fenasulam, fenoprop, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-p, fenoxasulfone, fenteracol, fenthiaprop, fentrazamide, fenuron, ferrous sulfate, flamprop, flamprop-M, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluazifop, fluazifop-p, fluazolate, flucarbazone, flucetosulfuron, fluchloralin, flufenacet, flufenican, flufenpyr, flumetsulam, flumezin, flumiclorac, flumioxazin, flumipropyn, fluometuron, fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen, fluoromidine, fluoronitrofen, fluothiuron, flupoxam, flupropacil, flupropanate, flupyrsulfuron, fluridone, fluorochloridone, fluoroxypyr, flurtamone, fluthiacet, fomesafen, foramsulfuron, fosaminefuryloxyfen, glufosinate, glufosinate-P, glyphosate, halosafen, halosulfuron, haloxydine, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-p, hexachloroacetone, hexaflurate, hexazinone, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, imazosulfuron, indanofan, indazifiam, iodobonil, iodomethane, iodosulfuron, ioxynil, ipazine, ipfencarbazone, iprymidam, isocarbamid, isocil, isomethiozin, isonoruron, isopolinate, isopropalin, isoproturon, isouron, isoxaben, isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole, isoxapyrifop, karbutilate, ketospiradox, lactofen, linuron, MAA, MAMA, MCPA, MCPA-thioethyl, MCPB, mecoprop, mecoprop-P, medinoterb, mefenacet, mefluidide, mesoprazine, mesosulfuron, mesotrione, metam, metamifop, metamitron, metazachlor,Metazosulfuron, metflurazon, methabenzthiazuron, methalpropalin, methazole, methiobencarb, methiozolin, methiuron, methometon, methoprotryne, methyl bromide, methylisothiocyanate, methyldymron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metolachlor, metosulam, metoxuron, metribuzin, metsulfuron, molinate, monalide, monisouron, monochloroacetic acid, monolinuron, monuron, morfamquat, MSMA, naproanilide, napropamide, naptalam, neburon, nicosulfuron, nipyraclofen, nitralin, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen, norflurazon, noruron, OCH, orbencarb, orthodichlorobenzene, orthosulfamuron, oryzalin, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxapyrazon, oxasulfuron, oxaziclomefone, oxyfluorfen, parafluoron, paraquat, pebulate, pelargonic acid, pendimethalin, penoxsulam, pentachlorophenol, pentanochlor,Pentoxazone, perfluidone, pethoxamid, phenisopham, phenmedipham, phenmedipham-ethyl, phenobenzuron, phenylmercury acetate, picloram, picolinafen, pinoxaden, piperophos, potassium arsenite, potassium azide, potassium cyanate, pretilachlor, primisulfuron, procyazine, prodiamine, profluazol, profluralin, profoxydim, proglinazine, prometon, prometryn, propachlor, propanil, propaquizafop, propazine, propham, propisochlor, propoxycarbazone, propyrisulfuron, propyzamide, prosulfalin, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, proxan, prynachlor, pydanon, pyraclonil, pyraflufen, pyrasulfotole, pyrazolynate, pyrazosulfuron, pyrazoxyfen, pyribenzoxim, pyributicarb, pyriclor, pyridafol, pyridate, pyriftalid, pyriminobac, pyrimisulfan, pyrithiobac, pyroxasulfone, pyroxsulamQuinclorac, quinmerac, quinoclamine, quinonamid, quizalofop, quizalofop-p, rhodethanil, rimsulfuron, saflufenacil, S-metolachlor, sebuthylazine, secbumeton, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, simeton, simetryn, sodium chloroacetate (SMA), sodium arsenite, sodium azide, sodium chlorate, sulcotrione, sulfallate, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, sulfuric acid, sulglycapin, swep, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), tebutam, tebuthiuron, tefuryltrione, tembotrione, tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbucarb, terbuchlor, terbumeton, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, tetrafluoron, thenylchlor, thiazafluoron, thiazopyr, thidiazimin, thidiazuron, thiencarbazone-methyl, thifensulfuron, thiobencarb, tiocarbazil, tioclorim, topramezone, tralkoxydim, tri-allate, triasulfuron, triaziflam, tribenuron, tricamba, triclopyr, tridiphane, trietazine, trifloxysulfuron,Trifluralin, triflusulfuron, trifop, trifopsime, trihydroxytriazine, trimeturon, tripropindan, tritac, tritosulfuron, vemolate, xylachlor, and mixtures thereof. A safener is an active ingredient that is applied together with a herbicide to protect crops from its injury. Some safeners that can be used in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: benoxacor, benthiocarb, brassinolide, cloquintocet (mexyl), cyometrinil, daimuron, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dimepiperate, disulfoton, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr-diethyl, MG 191, MON 4660, naphthalic anhydride (NA), oxabetrinil, R29148, N-phenylsulfonylbenzamide, and mixtures thereof.

[0083] Suitable herbicides may be selected from: aryloxycarboxylic acids such as MCPA, aryloxyphenoxypropionates / esters such as clodinafop, cyclohexanedione oximes such as sethoxydim, hydroxybenzonitriles such as bromoxynil, hydroxybenzonitriles such as nicosulphuron, triazolopyrimidines such as penoxsulam, triketones such as mesotriones, triazine herbicides such as metribuzin, hexaxinone, or atrazine; sulphonylurea herbicides such as chlorsulfuron; uracils, bromacil, or terbacil; urea herbicides such as linuron, diuron, siduron, or neburon; acetanilide herbicides such as alachlor, or metolachlor; thiocarbamate herbicides such as benthiocarb, triallate; oxadiazolone herbicides such as oxadiazon; isoxazolidinone herbicides, phenoxyacetic acids; diphenyl ether herbicides such as fluazifop, acifluorfen, bifenox, or oxyfluorfen; dinitroaniline herbicides such as trifluralin; organophosphonate / ester herbicides such as salts and esters of glufosinate and salts and esters of glyphosate; and / or dihalobenzonitrile herbicides such as bromoxynil, or ioxynil, benzoic acid herbicides, bipyridinium herbicides such as paraquat; and other herbicides such as clomazone, carfentrazone, saflufenacil, and pyroxasulphone.

[0084] Insecticides are pesticides used against insects in all developmental forms, and include ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry, and the home.

[0085] Examples of insecticides useful in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: 1,2-dichloropropane, abamectin, acephate, acetamiprid, acethion, acetoprole, acrinathrin, acrylonitrile, alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, aldrin, allethrin, allosamidin, allyxycarb, alpha-cypermethrin, alpha-ecdysone, alpha-endosulfan, amidithion, aminocarb, amitron, amitron oxalate, amitraz, anabasine, athidathion, azadirachtin, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, azothoate, barium hexafluorosilicate, barthrin, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, bensultap, beta-cyfluthrin, beta-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioethanomethrin, biopermethrin, bistrifluoron, borax, boric acid, bromfenvinfos, bromo-DDT, bromophos, bromophos-ethyl, bufencarb, buprofezin, butacarb, butathiofos, butocarboxim, butonate,butoxycarboxim, cadusafos, calcium arsenate, calcium polysulfide, camphechlor, carbanolate, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbondisulfide, carbontetrachloride, carbophenothion, carbosulfan, cartap, cartap hydrochloride, chlorantraniliprole, chlorbicyclen, chlordane, chlordecone, chlordimeform, chlordimeform hydrochloride, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenvinphos, chlorfluazuron, chlormephos, chloroform, chloropicrin, chlorphoxim, chlorprazophos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorthiophos, chiOmafenozide, cinerinI, cinerinII, cinerins, cismethrin, cloethocarb, closantel, clothianidin, copper acetoarsenite, copper arsenate, copper naphthenate, copper oleate, coumaphos, coumithoate, crotamiton, crotoxyphos, crufomate, cryolite, cyanofenphoscyanophos, cyanthoate, cyantraniliprole, cyclethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, cyromazine, cythioate, DDT, decarbofuran, deltamethrin, demephion, demephion-O, demephion-S, demeton, demeton-methyl, demeton-O, demeton-O-methyl, demeton-S, demeton-S-methyl, demeton-S-methylsulphon, diafenthiuron, dialifos, diatomaceous earth, diazinon, dicapthon, dichlofenthion, dichlorvos, dicresyl, dicrotophos, dicyclanil, dieldrin, diflubenzuron, dilor, dimefluthrin, dimefox, dimetan, dimethoate, dimethrin, dimethylvinphos, dimetilan, dinex, dinex-diclexine, dinoprop, dinosam, dinotefuran, diofenolan, dioxabenzofos, dioxacarb, dioxathion, disulfoton, dithicrofos, d-limonene, DNOCDNOC-ammonium, DNOC-potassium, DNOC-sodium, doramectin, ecdysterone, emamectin, emamectin benzoate, EMPC, empenfhrin, endosulfan, endothion, endrin, EPN, epofenonane, eprinomectin, esdepallethrine, esfenvalerate, etaphos, ethiofencarb, ethion, ethiprole, ethoate-methyl, ethoprophos, ethylformate, ethyl-DDD, ethylene dibromide, ethylenedichloride, ethylene oxide, etofenprox, etrimfos, EXD, famphur, fenamiphos, fenazaflor, fenchlorphos, fenethacarb, fenfluthrin, fenitrothion, fenobucarb, fenoxacrim, fenoxycarb, fenpirithrin, fenpropathrin, fensulfothion, fenthion, fenthion-ethyl, fenvalerate, fipronil, flonicamid, flubendiamide, flucofuron, flucycloxuron, flucythrinate, flufenerim, flufenoxuron, flufenprox, fluvalinatefonofos, formetanate, formetanate hydrochloride, formothion, fomiparanate, fomiparanate hydrochloride, fosmethilan, fospirate, fosthietan, fufenozide, furathiocarb, furethrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, gamma-HCH, halfenprox, halofenozide, HCH, HEOD, heptachlor, heptenophos, heterophos, hexaflumuron, HHDN, hydramethylnon, hydrogen cyanide, hydroprene, hyquincarb, imidacloprid, imiprothrin, indoxacarb, iodomethane, IPSP, isazofos, isobenzan, isocarbophos, isodrin, isofenphos, isofenphos methyl, isoprocarb, isoprothiolane, isothioate, isoxathion, ivermectin, jasmolin I, jasmolin II, jodfenphos, juvenile hormone I, juvenile hormone II, juvenile hormone III, kelevan, kinoprene, lambda-cyhalothrin, lead arsenate, lepimectin, leptophos, lindanelirimfos, lufenuron, lythidathion, malathion, malonoben, mazidox, mecarbam, mecarphon, menazon, meperfluthrin, mephosfolan, mercurous chloride, mesulfenfos, metaflumizone, methacrifos, methamidophos, methidathion, methiocarb, methocrotophos, methomyl, methothrin, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, methylchloroform, methylene chloride, metofluthrin, metolcarb, metoxadiazone, mevinphos, mexacarbate, milbemectin, milbemycinoxime, mipafox, mirex, molosultap, monocrotophos, monomehypo, monosultap, morphothion, moxidectin, naftalofos, naled, naphthalene, nicotine, nifluridide, nitenpyram, nithiazine, nitrilacarb, novaluron, noviflumuron, omethoate, oxamyl, oxydemeton-methyl, oxydeprofos, oxydisulfoton,para-dichlorobenzene, parathion, parathion-methyl, penfluoron, pentachlorophenol, permethrin, phenkapton, phenothrin, phenthoate, phorate, phosalone, phosfolan, phosmet, phosnichlor, phosphamidon, phosphine, phoxim, phoxim-methyl, pirimetaphos, pirimicarb, pirimiphos-ethyl, pirimiphos-methyl, potassium arsenite, potassiumthiocyanate, pp'-DDT, prallethrin, precocene I, precocene II, precocene III, primidophos, profenofos, profluralin, profluthrin, promacyl, promecarb, propaphos, propetamphos, propoxur, prothidathion, prothiofos, prothoate, protrifenbute, pymetrozine, pyraclofos, pyrafluprole, pyrazophos, pyresmethrin, pyrethrinI, pyrethrin II, pyrethrins, pyridaben, pyridalyl, pyridaphenthion, pyrifluquinazon, pyrimidifenpyrimitate, pyriprole, pyriproxyfen, quassia, quinalphos, quinalphos-methyl, quinothion, rafoxanide, resmethrin, rotenone, ryania, sabadilla, schradan, selamectin, silafluofen, silica gel, sodium arsenite, sodium fluoride, sodium hexafluorosilicate, sodium thiocyanate, sophamide, spinetoram, spiromesifen, spirotetramat, sulcofuron, sulcofuron-sodium, sulfluramid, sulfotep, sulfoxaflor, sulfurylfluoride, sulprofos, tau-fluvalinate, tazimcarb, TDE, tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, tebupirimfos, teflubenzuron, tefluthrin, temephos, TEPP, terallethrin, terbufos, tetrachloroethane, tetrachlorvinphos, tetramethrin, tetramethylfluthrin, theta-cypei-methiin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, thicrofos, thiocarboxime, thiocyclam, thiocyclamoxalateThiodicarb, thiofanox, thiometon, thiosultap, thiosultap-disodium, thiosultap-monosodium, thuringiensin, tolfenpyrad, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, transpermethrin, triarathene, triazamate, triazophos, trichlorfon, trichlormetaphos-3, trichloronat, trifenofos, triflumuron, trimethacarb, triprene, vamidothion, vaniliprole, XMC, xylylcarb, zeta-cypermethrin, zolaprofos, and mixtures thereof.

[0086] A miticide is an insecticide that kills mites. Antibiotic miticides, carbamate miticides, formamidine miticides, mite growth regulators, organochlorines, pyrethrins, and organophosphate miticides all fall into this category. A molluscicide is an insecticide used to control molluscs (e.g., slugs and snails). These substances include metaldehyde, methiocarb, and aluminium sulphate. A nematicide is a chemical pesticide used to kill parasitic nematodes (phylum Nematoda).

[0087] Biological products can also be used, which will be understood to be products derived from living organisms such as bacteria or fungi.

[0088] The preparation may comprise at least one nutrient. Nutrients are chemical elements and compounds required or essential for promoting or improving plant growth. Nutrients are generally described as macronutrients or micronutrients. Nutrients suitable for the concentrates of the present invention are micronutrient compounds, preferably those that are solid or partially soluble at room temperature.

[0089] In addition to or as an alternative to agrochemical active substances, nutrients may be present. In such preparations, the nutrients are generally in dry form.

[0090] The nutrient can preferably be a solid nutrient. The solid nutrient should be understood in the present invention to mean a substance having a melting point higher than 20 °C (under standard pressure). The solid nutrient will also include insoluble nutrient components, i.e., nutrient components having a solubility in water such that a significant solid content is present in the concentrate after addition.

[0091] Micronutrients generally refer to trace metals or trace elements and are usually applied at lower dosages. Suitable micronutrients include trace elements selected from zinc, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, molybdenum, and manganese. It is expected that the present invention will be widely applicable to all types of micronutrients.

[0092] The micronutrient can be in soluble form or included as an insoluble solid and can be in the form of a salt or a chelate. Preferably, the micronutrient is in the form of a carbonate or an oxide.

[0093] Preferably, the micronutrient can be selected from zinc, calcium, molybdenum, or manganese, or magnesium. Particularly preferred micronutrients for use in the present invention can be selected from zinc oxide, manganese carbonate, manganese oxide, or calcium carbonate.

[0094] If present, the amount of micronutrient in the concentrate can generally be in the range of 5 wt% to 40 wt%, more usually 10 wt% to 35 wt%, particularly 15 wt% to 30 wt%, based on the weight of the total concentrate.

[0095] Generally, when mixed into the formulation during the formulation process, the average particle size of the solid agrochemical is 50 μm to 100 μm, but the formulation is usually wet-milled after mixing to reduce the average particle size to 1 μm to 10 μm, more preferably 1 μm to 5 μm.

[0096] The formulation of the present invention can also contain at least one macronutrient. Macronutrients generally refer to those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and include fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate and water regulators. Suitable macronutrients include fertilizers and other compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, or sulfur, as well as water regulators.

[0097] Suitable fertilizers include inorganic fertilizers that provide nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or sulfur. Examples of such fertilizers include:

[0098] For nitrogen as a nutrient: nitrates and / or ammonium salts such as ammonium nitrate, including ammonium nitrate in combination with urea such as ammonium nitrate urea, ammonium calcium nitrate, ammonium sulfate nitrate, ammonium phosphate, particularly monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, and polyphosphate ammonium, ammonium sulfate, and less commonly calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and ammonium chloride;

[0099] For phosphorus as a nutrient: acidic forms of phosphorus, such as phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid or polyphosphoric acid, but more usually in the form of salts, such as ammonium phosphate, especially monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate and ammonium polyphosphate, potassium phosphate, especially potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium polyphosphate;

[0100] For sulfur as a nutrient: ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate, such as mixed sulfates with magnesium.

[0101] Biostimulants can enhance metabolic or physiological processes, such as respiration, photosynthesis, nucleic acid uptake, ion uptake, nutrient delivery or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of biostimulants include seaweed extracts, humic acids (such as potassium humate), fulvic acids, inositol, glycine, jasmonic acid, benzoic acid, diphenylurea and combinations thereof.

[0102] Agrochemical active compounds, including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, require a formulation that allows the active compound to be absorbed by the plant / target organism or retained on the target surface.

[0103] The term "agrochemical formulation" refers to a composition containing an active agrochemical and is intended to include all forms of compositions, including concentrates and spray formulations. If not specifically stated, the agrochemical formulations of the present invention can be in the form of concentrates, diluted concentrates or sprayable formulations.

[0104] The components of the present invention can be combined with other components to form an agrochemical formulation containing at least one agrochemical active substance and / or nutrient and / or biostimulant.

[0105] An agrochemical concentrate is an agrochemical composition, which can be aqueous or non-aqueous and is designed to be diluted with water (or a water-based liquid) to form the corresponding spray formulation. The compositions include those in liquid form (such as solutions, emulsions or dispersions) and solid form (especially water-dispersible solid form) such as granules or powders.

[0106] Thus, agrochemical active compounds can be formulated as emulsifiable concentrates (EC), water emulsions (EW), suspension concentrates (SC), soluble liquids (SL), oil-based suspension concentrates (OD), microemulsions (ME) and / or suspoemulsions (SE).

[0107] In EC and SL formulations, the active compound can be present in dissolved form, while in OD, SC or SE formulations, the active compound can be present as a solid or emulsified liquid.

[0108] It is expected that the spray drift reducer of the present invention will be particularly useful in SC, OD or SE formulations.

[0109] The agrochemical formulations of the present invention can be in the form of concentrates, diluted concentrates or sprayable formulations.

[0110] An aqueous agrochemical concentrate is an agrochemical composition designed to be diluted with water (or a water-based liquid) to form the corresponding spray formulation.

[0111] A spray formulation is an aqueous agrochemical formulation that includes all the components intended to be applied to plants or their environment. The spray formulation can be prepared by simply diluting a concentrate containing the desired components (excluding water), or by mixing the individual components, or by a combination of diluting the concentrate and further adding individual components or mixtures of components. Typically, this end-use mixing is carried out in the tank of the spray formulation, or in a storage tank used to fill the spray tank. This mixing and the mixture are commonly referred to as tank mixing and tank mixtures.

[0112] Thus, a spray drift reducer can be incorporated into a formulation of an agrochemical active substance or a nutrient compound (in-tank formulation), or added after dilution of the spray liquid concentrate formulation (tank mixing). To avoid dosing errors and improve user safety during the application of agrochemical products, it is advantageous to incorporate the spray drift reducer into the formulation. This also avoids the unnecessary use of additional packaging materials for tank mix products.

[0113] Depending on the customer's needs, the resulting concentrate can typically contain up to 95% by weight of the agrochemical active substance or nutrient. In the dilution composition (e.g., a spray formulation, where the spray application rate is 10 to 500 l / ha -1 ), the concentration of the agrochemical active substance or nutrient can be in the range of about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the total spray formulation.

[0114] The spray drift reducer is typically used in an amount proportional to the amount of the active agrochemical or nutrient in the formulation, or more preferably in an amount proportional to the volume of the spray solution to be applied. In the agrochemical formulation concentrate, the proportion of the spray drift reducer will depend on the solubility of the individual components in the liquid carrier. Typically, the concentration of the spray drift reducer in such a concentrate is 0.5% to 10% by weight.

[0115] When the concentrate (solid or liquid) is used as a source of the active agrochemical and / or the spray drift reducer, the concentrate is typically diluted to form the spray formulation. The dilution can be from 1 to 10,000 times, especially 10 to 1,000 times, the total weight of the water concentrate to form the spray formulation.

[0116] The spray formulation is an aqueous agrochemical formulation that includes all the components required to be applied to plants or their environment. The spray formulation can be formulated by simply diluting a concentrate containing the desired ingredients (excluding water). The present invention can be used for traditional spray applications or spray delivery by drones.

[0117] Thus, the components of the present invention can be incorporated into formulations of agrochemical active compounds (in-tank / built-in formulations).

[0118] In particular, the present invention has found the use of low-dilution, high-concentration spraying mixtures, where the spraying application volume is low in terms of the amount applied per hectare. It should be understood that when there is a low level of dilution, the compatibility between the spraying drift reducer and the inorganic solid becomes particularly evident, thus leading to the need for a compatibilizer.

[0119] When the agrochemical active substance is present as solid particles in an aqueous end-use formulation, most commonly it will be present as particles of the main agrochemical active substance. However, if desired, the active agrochemical can be loaded on a solid carrier, such as silica or diatomaceous earth, which can be the solid carrier, filler or diluent material as described above.

[0120] Spraying formulations generally have a pH in the range from moderately acidic (e.g., about 3) to moderately alkaline (e.g., about 10), and in particular close to neutral (e.g., about 5 to 8). More concentrated formulations will have a similar degree of acidity / alkalinity, but since they may be largely non-aqueous, the pH value is not necessarily an appropriate measure thereof.

[0121] The formulation can also contain additional components, such as pigments, dyes, extenders and combinations thereof.

[0122] Agrochemical formulations can also contain other components as required. These other components can be selected from those including the following:

[0123] ■ Other binders, in particular binders that are readily soluble in water to provide a low-viscosity solution at high binder concentrations, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyvinyl alcohol; carboxymethylcellulose; gum arabic; sugars, such as sucrose or sorbitol; starch; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, sucrose and alginate,

[0124] ■ Solvents (other than water), such as monopropylene glycol, or oils which can be vegetable oils or mineral oils, such as spraying oils (oils included in spraying formulations as non-surfactant adjuvants). Such solvents can be included as solvents for the formulation components and / or as humectants, for example especially propylene glycol. When used, the content of such solvents is usually from 5% to 500% by weight, desirably from 10% to 100% by weight.

[0125] ■ Diluents, absorbents or carriers, such as carbon black; talc; diatomaceous earth; kaolin; aluminum stearate, calcium stearate or magnesium stearate; sodium tripolyphosphate; sodium tetraborate; sodium sulfate; sodium, aluminum and mixed sodium-aluminum silicates; and sodium benzoate,

[0126] ■ Disintegrants, such as surfactants, materials that swell in water, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, collodion, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and microcrystalline cellulose swelling agents; salts, such as sodium acetate or potassium acetate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or sesquisodium carbonate, ammonium sulfate, and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate;

[0127] ■ Wetting agents, such as alcohol ethoxylates and alcohol ethoxylate / propoxylate wetting agents;

[0128] ■ Dispersants, such as sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates and acrylic copolymers, such as comb copolymers having end-capped polyethylene glycol side chains on a polyacrylic acid backbone;

[0129] ■ Emulsifiers, such as alcohol ethoxylates, ABA block copolymers, or castor oil ethoxylates;

[0130] ■ Antifoaming agents, such as polysiloxane antifoaming agents, usually used in an amount of 0.005% to 10% by weight of the formulation;

[0131] ■ Viscosity regulators, such as commercially available water-soluble or miscible gums, such as xanthan gum, and / or celluloses, such as carboxy-methyl, ethyl, or propyl cellulose; and / or

[0132] ■ Preservatives and / or antimicrobial agents, such as organic acids or their esters or salts, such as ascorbic acid such as ascorbyl palmitate, sorbic acid such as potassium sorbate, benzoic acid such as benzoic acid and methyl and propyl 4-hydroxybenzoates, propionic acid such as sodium propionate, phenol such as sodium 2-phenylphenolate; 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; or formaldehyde itself or paraformaldehyde; or inorganic materials, such as sulfurous acid and its salts, usually used in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight of the formulation.

[0133] The agrochemical formulation according to the present invention may also contain components that form part of an emulsifier system, such as surfactant materials. The surfactant may include surfactant dispersants.

[0134] Auxiliaries may be included in the compositions and formulations of the present invention and used in the present invention.

[0135] The present invention also includes a method of treating plants or providing nutrients to plants using a spray formulation comprising at least one dispersed-phase agrochemical, a spray drift reducer of the first aspect, an inorganic mineral solid, and a compatibilizer. The agrochemical may be one or more plant active agents, such as growth regulators and / or herbicides, and / or pesticides, such as insecticides, fungicides, or acaricides, or may be a nutrient.

[0136] Accordingly, the present invention also includes a method of use, which includes:

[0137] ■ A method of killing or inhibiting vegetation, which is carried out by applying a spraying preparation to the vegetation or the direct environment of the vegetation (such as the soil around the vegetation), the spraying preparation comprising at least one dispersed-phase agrochemical and a spraying drift reduction agent according to the first aspect;

[0138] ■ A method of killing or inhibiting plant pests, which is carried out by applying a spraying preparation to the plant or the direct environment of the plant (such as the soil around the plant), the spraying preparation comprising at least one dispersed-phase agrochemical and a spraying drift reduction agent according to the first aspect, the dispersed-phase agrochemical being one or more pesticides, such as insecticides, fungicides or acaricides; and

[0139] ■ A method of providing nutrients to vegetation, which is carried out by applying a spraying preparation to the vegetation or the direct environment of the vegetation (such as the soil around the vegetation), the spraying preparation comprising at least one nutrient and a spraying drift reduction agent according to the first aspect.

[0140] A spraying drift reduction agent refers to a material that reduces the amount of unwanted small spraying droplets (driftable fines) and / or the amount of unwanted large droplets in a commercially important and desirable manner. It is understood that the change in spraying drift characteristics is achieved by changing the size and size distribution of the droplets in the spraying.

[0141] When the formation amount of small-size spraying droplets (i.e., spraying droplets with a droplet size generally below 105 μm) decreases, the preparation applied by spraying usually exhibits a reduced drift tendency. The amount of driftable small droplets can be expressed as the volume percentage of the droplet volume of the total spraying applied. Compared with a preparation containing an alternative nonionic surfactant or a preparation without a spraying drift reduction agent, the amount of spraying drift needs to be reduced. The spraying drift of pesticides may have adverse consequences, which include the accidental contact of phytotoxic pesticides with non-harmful plants, thereby causing damage to these non-harmful plants (such as crops or ornamental plants).

[0142] In addition, the use of the spraying drift reduction agent of the present invention does not produce or produces very few extremely large droplets, which may be expected when using a polymeric surfactant in an agrochemical preparation.

[0143] The present invention will be understood to improve the characteristics of spraying droplets, without or with little degradation of the spraying pattern, and at the same time maintain the preparation stability by reducing component incompatibility.

[0144] It should be understood that all values of particle and droplet sizes described herein are referenced to a TeeJet 8002 nozzle at 80° and a flow rate of 0.2 gallons per minute. Unless otherwise specified, the fluid pressure for the spraying test is 40 psi. The value of spraying drift reduction is referenced to a spraying preparation containing 0.5 wt% of the reduction agent.

[0145] Droplet size and spray measurements can be readily determined by laser scattering, image analysis, or phase Doppler laser anemometry. The droplet size measurements used in this application are referenced to measurements made by laser scattering using a Sympatec Helos Vario KF laser sizing system. The spray plume is directed downward and through the instrument laser beam; the data is an average of the spray plume.

[0146] Preferably, the spray drift reducing agent reduces the volume of fine droplets (fines) that are driftable. In particular, the driftable fine droplets are those droplets having a size less than 105 μm, where this is understood by ASTM E1519-10 to represent the droplet size below which droplets are driftable.

[0147] Thus, a reduction in spray drift will be understood as a reduction in the volume percentage of droplets having a droplet size less than 105 μm compared to a similar agrochemical formulation that does not contain the spray drift reducing agent of the present invention.

[0148] The spray drift reducing agent of the present invention can reduce droplets having a size less than 105 μm by at least 10% at a spray pressure of 40 psi. More preferably, at least 15%. Even more preferably at least 20%. Most preferably, at least 25%.

[0149] In the form of a particle size distribution, the spray droplets will have a median volume particle / droplet diameter value. It should be understood that the median volume particle size refers to the equivalent spherical diameter of the point on the distribution that divides the total precisely into two equal halves. It is the point corresponding to 50% of all particle volume, read on the cumulative distribution curve relating volume percentage to particle diameter, i.e., 50% of the distribution is above this value and 50% is below this value. This value is referred to as the “D(v, 0.5)” value and is determined as described herein.

[0150] Preferably, the spray drift reducing agent increases the D(v, 0.5) value. Thus, an increase in the D(v, 0.5) of the spray will be understood as an increase in the median volume particle / droplet diameter value of the spray droplets compared to a similar agrochemical formulation that does not contain the spray drift reducing agent of the present invention.

[0151] The spray drift reducing agent of the present invention can provide a percentage increase in the D(v, 0.5) value of at least 10% at a spray pressure of 40 psi. More preferably, at least 15%. Most preferably, at least 20%.

[0152] The spray drift reducing agent of the present invention can change the droplet size distribution of the spray formulation by reducing the amount of unwanted small and large droplets.

[0153] "Drift reduction efficiency" is defined as the amount of reduced drift obtained per 1 wt.% of the reducing agent present, using the same formulation without the reducing agent as the baseline. As noted, the reduction in spray drift can be seen by a reduction in the volume percentage of droplets having a droplet size of less than 150 μm compared to a similar agrochemical formulation that does not contain the spray drift reducing agent of the present invention. Thus, the value of the drift reduction efficiency can be calculated by measuring the difference in the volume percentage of droplets having a droplet size of less than 105 μm for the formulation containing the reducing agent compared to the control and calculating the value per 1 wt.% of the reducing agent. For example, if the percentage difference found when using 0.2 wt.% of the reducing agent is 10%, the calculated drift reduction efficiency value will be 50 per 0.1 wt.% of the reducing agent.

[0154] The drift reduction efficiency of the reducing agent is preferably greater than 1, more preferably greater than 3, even more preferably greater than 10, further preferably greater than 20, particularly preferably greater than 30, more preferably greater than 40, even more preferably greater than 50, further preferably greater than 70, and most preferably greater than 100.

[0155] The contact angle of an agrochemical formulation represents the profile measurement when the formulation droplet contacts a solid surface. When a surfactant is added to water, the surface tension of the solution is reduced, and thus the droplets can spread over a larger leaf area. Such a flatter droplet has a lower contact angle. It is generally understood that a water droplet has a contact angle of 93°, while a solution containing the required wetting aid will have a contact angle of 50° or less.

[0156] The contact angle of the agrochemical formulation of the present invention is preferably less than 65°. More preferably, it is less than 60°. Most preferably, it is less than 58°.

[0157] The method for determining the contact angle is as described herein.

[0158] Surface tension is a condition existing at the free surface of a liquid. The surface tension test measures the force required to pull a floating ring away from the liquid surface. This force is measured in dynes / cm (equivalent to mN / m, with a typical value for water of 74 dynes / cm). Surfactants generally reduce the surface tension value, thus obtaining better leaf coverage.

[0159] It is necessary to reduce the surface tension because this indicates improved spreading of each droplet on the target surface, resulting in better absorption. It has been found that the adjuvants of the present invention provide the required surface tension.

[0160] The equilibrium surface tension (EST) of the adjuvant of the present invention is preferably less than 60 mN / m. More preferably, it is less than 50 mN / m. Further preferably, it is less than 45 mN / m. Most preferably, it is less than 40 mN / m.

[0161] The method for determining the equilibrium surface tension is as described herein, using dilute aqueous solutions of the adjuvant at 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%.

[0162] The lower surface tension values confirm the ideal properties as an adjuvant for nonionic surfactants. For materials of the same or larger molecular size (such as in the case of the materials of the present invention), the lower dynamic surface tension (DST) provides improved properties related to increased droplet retention on the leaf surface, and in combination with a lower contact angle, will provide improved spreading. The end result is increased leaf surface coverage.

[0163] The dynamic surface tension of the adjuvant of the present invention is preferably less than 75 mN / m. More preferably, less than 70 mN / m. Most preferably, less than 65 mN / m.

[0164] The method for determining the dynamic surface tension is as described herein, using the adjuvant diluted at 0.5 and 1.0 wt% in water.

[0165] In summary, the improvements in a series of physical properties such as the observed EST, contact angle, and DST are generally considered important for improving the performance of contact insecticides and fungicides.

[0166] The adjuvants of the present invention are polymeric and generally have a larger size, while the more common method of reducing DST is to make the surfactant molecules smaller and more mobile at the rapidly expanding interface and to contract or branch the hydrophobe. The observed properties distinguish them from other surface-active compounds used to reduce the DST of agricultural spray mixtures.

[0167] When containing a spray drift reducer and inorganic mineral solids that are normally incompatible, even at low dilution levels, in the presence of a compatibilizer as defined herein, the drift reduction properties are maintained in a stable formulation.

[0168] All the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any of the above aspects. Examples

[0169] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made to the following description by way of examples.

[0170] It should be understood that unless otherwise stated herein or unless otherwise stated in the referenced test methods and procedures, all the tests and physical properties listed have been determined at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (i.e., 25 °C).

[0171] Testing method

[0172] The following test methods are used to determine the performance of the adjuvant composition.

[0173] ■ Phytotoxicity - Rated on a scale of 0 to 6 after treatment, visually evaluated for effect from 1 to 5 as follows. Treat plant groups and take pictures:

[0174]

[0175] ■ Spraying parameters - The spray droplet size distribution was measured in a Croda recirculating low speed wind tunnel (LSWT) facility.

[0176] Samples were tested by spraying a 1.0% sample in tap water from an XR11002 nozzle at 40 psi. The droplet size distribution was measured 12 inches outside the nozzle exit at a wind speed of 15 mph using a Sympatec HELOS-KR laser diffraction system equipped with an R7 lens, which intersects the spray perpendicular to the spray axis approximately 10 inches below the nozzle exit. A demister was used to remove the used spray solution. The measured values reported in this report include D(v,0.1), D(v,0.5), and D(v,0.9), which are the droplet sizes below which 10%, 50%, and 90% of the spray volume is contained.

[0177] The percentage less than 105 μm (% < 105 μm) is the percentage of the spray volume that is 105 μm and less.

[0178] Spray samples to obtain particle size and distribution results to determine spray drift characteristics. The reported values are the average of at least four measurements.

[0179] ■ Equilibrium surface tension - Surface tension measurements were made using a Kruss K100 type tensiometer with a Wilhelmy plate. The temperature of the sample chamber was controlled at 25.0 °C ± 0.1 °C using a VWR 1156D type refrigerated / heating circulating water bath.

[0180] Before measuring the sample solution, the performance of the instrument was verified by measuring the surface tension of HPLC grade water. Approximately 2 / 3 of the clean measurement cell was filled with HLPC grade water to establish a baseline surface tension (72.8 mN / m) for separate water without surfactant.

[0181] Aqueous solutions of each sample material were prepared at concentrations of 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%. Burdick & Jackson HPLC grade water was used. The samples were manually stirred and allowed to equilibrate for at least 24 hours.

[0182] Approximately 20 ml of the sample solution was gently poured into the sample dish and placed in the instrument sample holder. The change in surface tension was monitored for fifteen minutes, at which point it was determined that equilibrium had been effectively reached. The surface tension value at this time was recorded. Measurements were made on at least two aliquots and the average value was reported.

[0183] ■ Dynamic surface tension (DST) - DST was determined at ambient temperature using a 1.0 wt% aqueous solution of the adjuvant with the Standard Test Method for Dynamic Surface Tension by the Fast Bubble Technique ASTM D3825 - 09.

[0184] ■ Contact angle - Aqueous solutions of each sample material were prepared at concentrations of 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%. Burdick & Jackson HPLC grade water was used. The samples were shaken by hand and allowed to equilibrate for 24 hours.

[0185] The contact angle of each solution on the sealing film was measured using a Lauda Scientific goniometer (model LSA 100). A narrow strip of the sealing film was fixed to a microscope slide using double - sided tape; after the sealing film was attached to the tape, the protective barrier on the sealing film was removed. A 5 - μL volume droplet was applied to the sealing film using a micropipette. The contact angle of each droplet was measured immediately after application by visually aligning the crosshairs of the goniometer along the tangent to the droplet / substrate / air interface. The contact angle was measured on each side of ten droplets. These values were averaged to determine the reported value.

[0186] ■ Stability - The stability of all formulations was evaluated after a specified period at room temperature (RT, 25 °C) and 54 °C. All samples were visually evaluated to measure any possible precipitation / creaming.

[0187] The following materials were used in the examples:

[0188] ● COMP1 - Ethoxylated (20 EO) polyethyleneimine (600)

[0189] ● COMP2 - Coconut alkyl bis(hydroxyethyl) methyl ethoxylated (15 EO) chloride.

[0190] ● Polyoxyethylene (16) sorbitan monolaurate (commercially available under the name Tween 24)

[0191] ● PEG(4MM) – Polyethylene glycol (MW 4 million)

[0192] ● PG 5% —— Propylene glycol

[0193] The following formulations were prepared for testing, as shown in Table 1:

[0194] Table 1. Formulations

[0195] Materials F1 F2 C1 Tween 24 15％ 15％ 20％ Propylene glycol 5％ 5％ 5％ Polyethylene glycol (4MM) 0.5％ 0.5％ 0.5％ COMP2 - 3％ - COMP1 5％ 0 - Proxel GXL 0.25％ 0.25％ 0.25％ Water 74.25％ 76.25％ 74.25％

[0196] The formulations were prepared by accurately weighing the required amounts of each ingredient into a beaker and then stirring until a homogeneous liquid was obtained.

[0197] Phytotoxicity

[0198] The phytotoxicity of the formulation was tested to ensure that its use and application would not damage any of the crops on which it was used. Separate trials were conducted for each of the samples F1 and F2. Five rates of the sample were compared to a water control (Table 2). The trial consisted of 4 plants / treatment, with 24 pots of soybeans and lettuce planted separately for each trial. Thus, all trials would sow 72 soybean pots and 72 lettuce pots, for a total of 144 pots.

[0199] Table 2. Treatment rates used in the three trials for each sample with a water control

[0200]

[0201] The greenhouse growing conditions were set at a day temperature of 22 °C, a night temperature of 19 °C, and had 14 hours of supplementary lighting. One-litre pots (3.5”) were filled with compound fertilizer (Levington F2+S). Two seeds were sown per pot and thinned to one after emergence.

[0202] The plants were watered with a watering can as needed until the treatment was applied. After spraying, the plants were watered in the saucers to avoid washing the treatment off the leaves. Water was applied at a consistent rate and completely through the end pots (watering the extra stealth pots). The biocontrol agent Bioline (Amblyseius cucumeris) was used to control western flower thrips. Yellow sticky traps were used to control sciarid flies. The plants were checked for signs of disease, nutrient deficiency, or other stress symptoms.

[0203] All treatments were applied using a micro-sprayer when the lettuce had 3 - 4 true leaves and the soybeans had 2 trifoliates. The untreated control plants were sprayed with deionized water. Before spraying, the plants were randomly selected and placed in a one-square-metre area on the greenhouse floor in treatment groups, one group at a time. Care was taken to avoid spray drift contamination of off-target plants.

[0204] The sprayer was calibrated to an output of 200 L / ha, equipped with a fan nozzle (XR TEEJET 11001VS), with the 100-mesh filter removed, and a pressure of 3 bar. Note that the spray pattern is highly affected by high concentrations of adjuvants. Spraying was carried out at a consistent rate and all treatment solutions were used. After spraying, the plants were returned to the greenhouse workbench, with each group of plants growing in a row to assist visual inspection. The plants were not watered within 12 hours after the treatment agent was applied to ensure that the treatment agent would not be washed away.

[0205] Treatments were carried out in order from the control to the most concentrated concentration to avoid cross-contamination of the treatments.

[0206] Table 3. Average phytotoxicity scores of F1 for four soybean plants per treatment.

[0207]

[0208] When the concentration of F1 reached 1.5% v / v, no phytotoxic effects were observed, and at this time, tiny brown spots could be seen on the old leaves. After applying F1 at 3% v / v, moderate damage to the crops was visible, accompanied by several cell deaths and some brown discoloration. As the concentration increased to 4.5% v / v, the frequency of this damage also increased.

[0209] Table 4. Average phytotoxicity scores of F1 for four lettuce plants per treatment.

[0210]

[0211]

[0212] No phytotoxic effects were found in the lettuce plants at any application rate of F1.

[0213] Table 5. Average phytotoxicity scores of F2 for four soybean plants per treatment.

[0214] F2 concentration (% v / v) Average phytotoxicity score Phytotoxicity description 0 0 No crop damage 0.75 0.5 Small area discoloration 1 0.75 Small area discoloration 1.5 1.25 Small area discoloration 3 2.5 Moderate crop damage 4.5 3 Moderate crop damage

[0215] Table 6. Average phytotoxicity scores of F2 for four lettuce plants per treatment.

[0216] F2 concentration (% v / v) Average phytotoxicity score Phytotoxicity description 0 0 No crop damage 0.75 0 No crop damage 1 0 No crop damage 1.5 0 No crop damage 3 0 No crop damage 4.5 0 No crop damage

[0217] High-concentration adjuvants have a great impact on the spraying pattern, which means that the spraying filter must be removed and the pressure increased from 2 bar to 3 bar (29 - 43.5 psi). The time point at which each adjuvant starts to cause phytotoxic damage can be determined.

[0218] When the application rate was 1.5% v / v, F1 began to cause phytotoxic damage. F2 seems to be more phytotoxic, and the initial signs of damage appeared after the damage caused by applying 0.75% v / v.

[0219] Spraying drift performance

[0220] Use a low-speed wind tunnel to test the spray drift performance of the formulation to ensure that the use of the adjuvant does not cause any undesirable deterioration of spray drift.

[0221] Table 7. Droplet size distribution results using XR11002 nozzles at 40 psi pressure

[0222] Auxiliary agent D(v,0.1) D(v,0.5) D(v,0.9) ％<105 Water 90±0 202±0 348±0 14.5±0.1 F1 133±0 326±1 565±1 5.8±0.0 F2 147±1 365±3 590±13 4.8±0.0 C1 157±1 382±2 603±14 4.1±0.0

[0223] The results showed that all treatment methods could effectively reduce the fines that could be deflected, compared with water alone.

[0224] Stability and compatibility

[0225] The stability was tested at room temperature, 5 °C and 54 °C, and no phase separation was observed within two weeks, indicating that the formulation stability was acceptable.

[0226] The compatibility of the two variants with previously tested commercial agrochemicals was examined. It was found that both variants could greatly improve the compatibility issue. Different from the 30% (10 out of 33 agrochemicals) of the tested agrochemicals showing incompatibility issues in the original formulation, only 1 agrochemical showed incompatibility with F2, and none with F1.

[0227] Equilibrium surface tension

[0228] The decomposition of the surfactant solution was similar to that of pure water, but the resulting droplets were on average smaller. The resulting droplet size distribution could be well described using the prediction for simple liquids by balancing the surface tension and dynamic surface tension parameters.

[0229] Evaluate the equilibrium surface tension of the formulation.

[0230] Table 8. Equilibrium surface tension values (Dyn / cm)

[0231] Concentration C1 F1 F2 0.5％ 34.7±0.5 35.7±0.3 35.6±0.3 1.0％ 34.28±0.3 34.8±0.4 34.9±0.3

[0232] As can be seen from Table 8, the EST of the formulations F1 and F2 of the present invention was almost the same and slightly higher compared with the control C1.

[0233] Dynamic surface tension (DST)

[0234] The dynamic surface tension was compared with the original version at 0.5% and 1.0%.

[0235] Table 9. Dynamic surface tension values (Dyn / cm)

[0236]

[0237] As can be seen from Table 9, the DST of the three samples was very similar.

[0238] When considering the particle size, equilibrium surface tension and dynamic surface tension, it is obvious that the components of the present invention have no negative impact on the spraying deflection characteristics.

[0239] Contact angle

[0240] A decrease in the contact angle indicates enhanced spreading of water droplets on the leaf surface. The contact angle is not too low to excessively increase droplet runoff, which helps maximize droplet retention on the treated plants.

[0241] The contact angles of three samples on the sealing film were measured at test concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0%.

[0242] Table 10. Contact angles of samples on the sealing film

[0243] Concentration C1 F1 F2 0.5％ 53.15 55.3 46.4 1.0％ 52.45 53.25 43.8

[0244] As can be seen from Table 10, F2 has a much lower contact angle at both application rates. The contact angle at 0.5% shows a slight difference between F1 and C1.

[0245] Compatibility

[0246] The basic elements of the present invention not only have no negative impact on phytotoxicity and spray drift performance, but the addition of components ensures a stable and compatible formulation, which would otherwise be observed in combinations of high molecular weight drift agents and inorganic mineral solids.

[0247] The compatibility results are shown in Table 11.

[0248] Table 11. Compatibility results

[0249]

[0250]

[0251] SANS / NSC - naphthalene sulfonic acid / formaldehyde condensate, a commonly used dispersant in agricultural formulations, is also one of the root causes of incompatibility commonly observed when high molecular weight drift agents and inorganic mineral solids are present simultaneously.

[0252] It can be seen that the formulation of the present invention provides good compatibility compared to the control formulation.

[0253] The study found that adding ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, ethoxylated quaternary amine, or fatty amine ethoxylate to the control formulation C1 helps improve compatibility with MAS and NSC. The stability of the formulation of the present invention is considered acceptable compared to control C1, which is not considered acceptable due to reduced stability.

[0254] Internal test results indicate that the performance of the formulation of the present invention is more or less similar to that of control C1 in terms of low - speed wind tunnel testing, balance, and contact angle. The formulation of the present invention also does not exhibit any undesirable phytotoxicity.

[0255] Since compatibility with agrochemicals is one of the key features of tank mix adjuvants, especially in low spray volume applications such as drone application, it has been found that a minimal surfactant content suffices to achieve compatibility with common adjuvants used in liquid agrochemicals.

[0256] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments, which are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible.

Claims

1. A sprayable agricultural chemical formulation comprising: i) at least one spray bias reducing agent which is polyethylene glycol or polyacrylamide having a molecular weight in the range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 Daltons; ii) a compatibilizer selected from ethoxylated polyethylene imine, ethoxylated alkylamine quaternary ammonium or fatty amine ethoxylate; iii) at least one inorganic mineral solid; and ii) optionally at least one agrochemical active substance, nutrient or biostimulant.

2. A concentrate formulation suitable for preparing a sprayable agricultural chemical formulation according to claim 1, said concentrate comprising a polyethylene glycol spray drift reducing agent having a molecular weight of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 Daltons, and optionally a compatibilizer selected from ethoxylated polyethyleneimines, ethoxylated alkylamine quaternary ammoniums or fatty amine ethoxylates.

3. Use of ethoxylated polyethyleneimines, ethoxylated alkylamine quaternary ammoniums or fatty amine ethoxylates as compatibilizers for spray drift reducers, which are polyethylene glycols or polyacrylamides having a molecular weight in the range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 Daltons, in agrochemical formulations comprising at least one inorganic mineral solid and optionally at least one agrochemical active substance, nutrient or biostimulant.

4. A method for reducing spray drift by using an agrochemical formulation according to claim 1 and / or a diluted concentrate formulation according to claim 2.

5. A method of treating vegetation to control pests and / or provide nutrients, which method comprises applying a formulation according to claim 1 and / or a diluted concentrate formulation according to claim 2 to the vegetation or to the immediate environment of the vegetation.

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