Fungicide and composition

Abstract

A fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes, one or more dispersants, and one or more fillers. The invention relates to a fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes having a copper bioavailability of from 20,000 to 100,000 ppm wherein the composition is in solid form.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper amino carboxylate complexes, and to copper amino carboxylate complexes having a specific copper bioavailability. The present invention also relates to the use of the fungicidal composition and the copper amino carboxylate complexes for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface, and to a method for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface by applying the fungicidal composition or the copper amino carboxylate complexes.

[0002] Background It is known that fungi can grow on various surfaces and thereby cause numerous problems. For example, it is known that fungi can grow on plants, which results in diseases and may inhibit yield and / or reduce the quality of the plants. In some cases, the fungi infect and / or damage the plants. When these plants are crops, such as crops intended for the human or animal food chain, then these problems have economic and humanitarian implications. In addition, infected crops also pose a health hazard to humans and animals consuming the crop.

[0003] Fungi growing on other surfaces, such as commercial and industrial systems, also cause problems by interfering with industrial production processes, resulting in reduced production efficiency and product quality. The presence of fungi on these surfaces also creates an unsafe working environment and poses potential health problems for personnel in proximity to or in contact with these surfaces.

[0004] It is known to use fungicides (or antifungals) and compositions to reduce the growth of fungi on a surface. Copper-based fungicides are known and are used, for example, to protect crops from fungal growth. However, some known copper-based fungicides (and compositions containing them) do not provide the required efficacy in use, and thus they do not provide optimal copper release in use. For example, in use, it is desirable that a copper-based fungicide provides an initial antifungal effect upon release of copper, and that an appropriate amount of the reagent remains on the surface to which it is applied so as to release copper gradually over time. When applied to a living species, such as a plant, it is also required that the amount of copper released by the reagent is non-toxic to the living species (such as a plant).

[0005] Furthermore, the amount of copper released by a copper-based fungicide should not exceed an extent that may cause adverse environmental problems. It is known that copper fungicides can be washed off surfaces such as leaves, thereby causing a risk of copper pollution in the surrounding area. For example, when used in an agricultural environment, copper may accumulate in the soil and, at certain levels, can render the soil in a state where plants cannot grow. This has led to subsequent regulatory pressure to reduce the environmental burden of copper fungicides, for example, by complying with relevant regulations that limit the amount of copper used to 28 kg of copper per hectare over 7 years, or 4 kg of copper per hectare per year (lower than the 6 kg of copper per hectare per year allowed in 2022).

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need to provide fungicides and compositions with desired release characteristics for effectively controlling the growth of fungi on surfaces. In particular, there is a need for fungicides and compositions with a lower environmental burden, for example, because they are less likely to be washed off the surfaces to which they are applied. This may also mean that less fungicide is initially required to be applied.

[0007] General According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes, one or more dispersants, and one or more fillers.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes having a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm, wherein the composition is in solid form.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copper aminocarboxylic acid complex having a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of the fungicidal composition according to the first or second aspect of the present invention or the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to the third aspect of the present invention for controlling the growth of fungi on surfaces.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of copper iminodiacetate for controlling the growth of fungi on surfaces.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling the growth of fungi on surfaces, the method comprising applying an effective amount of the fungicidal composition according to the first or second aspect of the present invention or the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to the third aspect of the present invention to the surface.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling the growth of fungi on surfaces, the method comprising applying an effective amount of copper iminodiacetate to the surface.

[0014] Detailed Description Unless otherwise specified, the following terms used in the specification and claims have the following meanings.

[0015] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0016] In this specification, the term "comprising" or "including" means including the specified component(s) (one or more), but not excluding the presence of other components. The term "consisting essentially of" or "consisting essentially of" means including the specified components, but not including other components other than those added for purposes other than achieving the technical effects of the present invention. The term "consisting of" or "consisting of" means including the specified components, but not including other components.

[0017] Where appropriate, and depending on the context, the use of the term "including" or "comprising" may also be understood to include the meaning of "consisting essentially of" or "consisting essentially of", and may also be understood to include the meaning of "consisting of" or "consisting of".

[0018] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those representing numerical values, ranges, percentage amounts, etc. are to be understood as beginning with the word "about", even if the term does not explicitly appear.

[0019] Numerical ranges expressed in terms of endpoints include all integers and, where appropriate, fractions within the range (e.g., 1 to 5 may include 1, 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, the number of elements; and may also include 1.5, 2, 2.75, and 3.80 when referring to, for example, measured values). The expression of endpoints also includes the endpoint values themselves (e.g., 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range described herein is intended to cover all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

[0020] The optional features described herein may be used alone or, where appropriate, in combination with each other, and particularly in the combinations described in the appended claims. The optional features of each exemplary aspect of the present invention described herein are also applicable, where appropriate, to any other aspect or exemplary aspect of the present invention. In other words, those skilled in the art reading this specification should consider the optional features of the various aspects or embodiments of the present invention to be interchangeable and combinable among the different aspects of the present invention.

[0021] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if the list is described as including groups A, B, and / or C, the list may include A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0022] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes, one or more dispersants, and one or more fillers.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes having a copper bioavailability of from 20,000 to 100,000 ppm, wherein the composition is in solid form.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copper aminocarboxylic acid complex having a copper bioavailability of from 20,000 to 100,000 ppm.

[0025] The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex of the third aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and normal pressure, may have a copper bioavailability of from 20,000 to 100,000 ppm. For example, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex of the third aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and normal pressure, may have a copper bioavailability of from 100,000 to 90,000 ppm, wherein the weight ratio of the copper complex to deionized water is 1:50.

[0026] The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex of the third aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and normal pressure, may have a copper bioavailability of from 20,000 to 90,000 ppm. For example, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex of the third aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and normal pressure, may have a copper bioavailability of from 20,000 to 90,000 ppm, wherein the weight ratio of the copper complex to deionized water is 1:50.

[0027] The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex of the third aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and normal pressure, may have a copper bioavailability of from 30,000 to 90,000 ppm. For example, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex of the third aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and normal pressure, may have a copper bioavailability of from 30,000 to 90,000 ppm, wherein the weight ratio of the copper complex to deionized water is 1:50.

[0028] The (one or more) copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes act as fungicides (or antifungal agents). In some cases, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex may also be referred to as a salt.

[0029] The term "fungicidal" means that the complex and / or composition serves to inhibit and / or control the growth of fungi. "Controlling the growth of fungi" means both eliminating the fungi already present on the surface and preventing the growth of fungi on the surface. The fungicidal composition may also be referred to as an "antifungal" composition.

[0030] The term "copper bioavailability" refers to the amount of copper released upon contact with water, i.e., to provide free copper ions for fungal consumption. The copper bioavailability value can be measured using any suitable method, including the methods described in the examples. Copper bioavailability can be determined by measuring the copper content in a sample (e.g., using a colorimetric test comparing with a copper nitrate solution of known concentration) and converting the copper content to the amount of bioavailable copper (in ppm) using the following formula: .

[0031] The fungicidal composition of the first aspect of the present invention may comprise any suitable one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes described herein. Preferably, in the first aspect of the present invention, the copper bioavailability of the one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes is 20,000 to 100,000 ppm respectively.

[0032] The fungicidal composition of the second aspect of the present invention comprises one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes having a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm.

[0033] The fungicidal composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention comprises one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes.

[0034] The fungicidal composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention may comprise two or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes.

[0035] Any suitable one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes may be comprised in the composition of the present invention, provided that the / each complex has an activity as a fungicide (or antifungal agent). A mixture of two or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes may be comprised in the composition of the present invention.

[0036] Preferably, the copper bioavailability of the one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes comprised in the composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention is 20,000 to 100,000 ppm respectively, such as 20,000 to 90,000 ppm, such as 30,000 to 90,000 ppm.

[0037] Preferably, for the one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes comprised in the composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and normal pressure, their copper bioavailability is 20,000 ppm to 100,000 ppm respectively. For example, after the copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes are washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and normal pressure, their copper bioavailability is 20,000 ppm to 100,000 ppm respectively, where the weight ratio of the copper complex to deionized water is 1:50.

[0038] Preferably, one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes contained in the composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, have a copper bioavailability of 20,000 ppm to 90,000 ppm respectively. For example, one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, have a copper bioavailability of 20,000 ppm to 90,000 ppm respectively, wherein the weight ratio of the copper complex to deionized water is 1:50.

[0039] Preferably, one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes contained in the composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, have a copper bioavailability of 30,000 ppm to 90,000 ppm respectively. For example, one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes, after being washed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, have a copper bioavailability of 30,000 ppm to 90,000 ppm respectively, wherein the weight ratio of the copper complex to deionized water is 1:50.

[0040] Preferably, compared with alternative copper complexes (such as copper hydroxide), one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes contained in the composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention each provide a reduced copper elution rate from the surface to which they are applied. Preferably, compared with alternative copper complexes (such as copper hydroxide), the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex of the third aspect of the present invention provides a reduced copper elution rate from the surface to which it is applied. For example, the (one or more) copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes may each have a copper elution rate of less than 80%, such as less than 70%, such as 50% or 40%. This is a reduced value compared with copper hydroxide.

[0041] Suitably, the mention of "copper elution rate" refers to after being washed 2 times or suitably 3 times with deionized water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, for example, after being rinsed 2 times, or suitably 3 times, with deionized water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, wherein the weight ratio of the copper complex to deionized water is 1:50. A reduced copper elution rate is advantageous because it can reduce the environmental burden and / or require less of the initially applied copper complex (as a fungicide).

[0042] The copper bioavailability and copper elution rate of the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex mentioned herein refer to the copper bioavailability and copper elution rate of the complex itself, as well as the copper bioavailability and copper elution rate when the complex is contained in the composition according to the present invention.

[0043] Preferably, compared to a fungicidal composition comprising an alternative copper complex (such as copper hydroxide), the fungicidal composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention can provide an effective fungicidal action on a surface with fewer applications. For example, compared to a fungicidal composition comprising an alternative copper complex (such as copper hydroxide) and having the same molar amount of copper as the fungicidal composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the fungicidal composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention can provide an effective fungicidal action on a surface with fewer applications.

[0044] Preferably, compared to an alternative copper complex such as copper hydroxide, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to the third aspect of the present invention can provide an effective fungicidal action on a surface with fewer applications on the surface. For example, based on the same molar amount of copper, compared to an alternative copper complex such as copper hydroxide, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to the third aspect of the present invention can provide an effective fungicidal action on a surface with fewer applications on the surface.

[0045] Suitable copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes (i.e., those included in the compositions of the first or second aspect of the present invention or according to the third aspect of the present invention) can be formed by the reaction of a copper compound (such as a copper salt) with an aminocarboxylic acid compound. An "aminocarboxylic acid compound" refers to a compound containing both at least one amino group and at least one carboxylic acid group. An "aminopolycarboxylic acid compound" refers to a compound containing at least one amino group and at least two carboxylic acid groups. The term "aminopolycarboxylic acid compound" includes within its scope aminodicarboxylic acid compounds having two carboxylic acid groups.

[0046] The copper compound and the aminocarboxylic acid compound can react in any suitable molar ratio to obtain the desired copper aminocarboxylic acid complex. A suitable molar ratio of the copper compound to the aminocarboxylic acid compound can be from 1:1 to 1:3, such as 1:2.

[0047] The copper compound and the aminocarboxylic acid compound can react in any suitable solvent and at any suitable temperature, such as 20 to 80 °C. Suitably, the solvent is a solvent from which the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex can be precipitated, such as water or a water / ethanol mixture (water:ethanol in a volume ratio of 50:50).

[0048] Any suitable copper compound can be used to prepare the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex. The copper compound can be a copper(I) compound and / or a copper(II) compound. For example, the copper compound can be a copper salt, such as copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper acetate, copper sulfate, copper nitrate, copper phosphate, copper oxide, copper carbonate, or copper halide (such as copper chloride). Preferably, the copper compound is copper hydroxide.

[0049] The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex can be formed by the reaction of copper hydroxide and an aminocarboxylic acid compound.

[0050] Any suitable aminocarboxylic acid compound can be used to prepare the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex.

[0051] A mixture of two or more aminocarboxylic acid compounds can be used to prepare a mixture of two or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes, and the two or more complexes can be used in the compositions, methods, and uses of the present invention.

[0052] The aminocarboxylic acid compound can be selected from one or more of the following: glycine, lysine, tyrosine, threonine, proline, isoleucine, arginine, asparagine, phenylalanine, sarcosine, aminododecanoic acid, aminooctanoic acid, iminodiacetic acid, aspartic acid, ethylenediamine - N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid), methionine, serine, threonine, alanine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, histidine, leucine, tryptophan, valine, 4-aminosalicylic acid, 11-aminoundecenoic acid, 12-aminododecanoic acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, 3-amino-4-methylbenzoic acid, 4-aminophenylacetic acid, 3-aminobutyric acid, norvaline, norleucine, 2-aminooctanoic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), pentetic acid (DTPA), (ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid) (EGTA), 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), tetraxetan (DOTA), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamate-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), and iminodisuccinic acid (IDS).

[0053] The aminocarboxylic acid compound can be selected from glycine, lysine, tyrosine, threonine, proline, isoleucine, arginine, asparagine, phenylalanine, sarcosine, aminododecanoic acid, aminooctanoic acid, iminodiacetic acid, aspartic acid, and ethylenediamine -N , N'- one or more of bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid). Suitably, the aminocarboxylic acid compound can be glycine or iminodiacetic acid.

[0054] For example, the aminocarboxylic acid compound can comprise an amino monocarboxylic acid or an amino polycarboxylic acid (such as an amino dicarboxylic acid). In other words, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex can be formed from an amino monocarboxylic acid or an amino polycarboxylic acid (such as an amino dicarboxylic acid).

[0055] Suitably, the aminocarboxylic acid compound can be a naturally occurring compound. For example, the aminocarboxylic acid compound can comprise naturally occurring amino acids such as glycine, lysine, tyrosine, threonine, proline, isoleucine, arginine, asparagine, phenylalanine, methionine, serine, threonine, alanine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, histidine, leucine, tryptophan, and valine.

[0056] Suitably, the aminocarboxylic acid compound can comprise aminomonocarboxylic acid. In other words, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex can be formed from aminomonocarboxylic acid.

[0057] Suitably, the aminocarboxylic acid compound can comprise aminopolycarboxylic acid, such as aminodicarboxylic acid. In other words, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex can be formed from aminopolycarboxylic acid (such as aminodicarboxylic acid).

[0058] Suitably, the aminocarboxylic acid compound can comprise aminodicarboxylic acid. In other words, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex can be formed from aminodicarboxylic acid.

[0059] The aminomonocarboxylic acid can be selected from one or more of glycine, lysine, tyrosine, threonine, proline, isoleucine, arginine, asparagine, phenylalanine, sarcosine, aminododecanoic acid, aminooctanoic acid, methionine, serine, threonine, alanine, cysteine, glutamine, histidine, leucine, tryptophan, valine, 4-aminosalicylic acid, 11-aminoundecenoic acid, 12-aminododecanoic acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, 3-amino-4-methylbenzoic acid, 4-aminophenylacetic acid, 3-aminobutyric acid, norvaline, norleucine, 2-aminooctanoic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid. Preferably, the aminomonocarboxylic acid is selected from one or more of glycine, lysine, and tyrosine, and more preferably, the aminomonocarboxylic acid is glycine.

[0060] The aminopolycarboxylic acid can be selected from one or more of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), pentetic acid (DTPA), (ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid) (EGTA), 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid) (BAPTA), tetraxetan (DOTA), iminodiacetic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), and iminodisuccinic acid (IDS). Preferably, the aminopolycarboxylic acid is iminodiacetic acid.

[0061] The amino dicarboxylic acid may be selected from one or more of iminodiacetic acid, aspartic acid, and ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid). Preferably, the amino polycarboxylic acid is iminodiacetic acid.

[0062] The copper amino carboxylate complex (i.e., included in the composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention or according to the third aspect of the present invention) can be in any suitable form.

[0063] The copper amino carboxylate complex can be in a hydrated form, such as a monohydrate, dihydrate, or higher hydrate. For example, copper glycinate can be in the form of a monohydrate, dihydrate, or higher hydrate (suitably a monohydrate or dihydrate).

[0064] "Copper glycinate" can also be referred to as bisglycine copper or copper(glycine)2.

[0065] The copper amino carboxylate complex (i.e., included in the composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention or according to the third aspect of the present invention) can be selected from one or more of copper threoninate, copper prolinate, copper isoleucinate, copper arginine, copper lysine, copper tyrosine, copper aspartate, copper phenylalanine, copper sarcosine, copper glycinate, copper iminodiacetate, copper 12-aminododecanoate, copper 2-aminocaprylate, copper aspartate, copper EDDHA, copper methionine, copper serine, copper threoninate, copper alanine, copper cysteine, copper glutamate, copper glutamine, copper histidine, copper leucine, copper tryptophan, copper valine, copper 4-aminosalicylate, copper 11-aminoundecenoate, copper 12-aminododecanoate, copper 6-aminohexadecanoate, copper 3-amino-4-methylbenzoate, copper 4-aminophenylacetate, copper 3-aminobutyrate, norvaline copper, norleucine copper, copper 2-aminocaprylate, copper γ-aminobutyrate, copper EDTA, copper EDDS, copper NTA, copper DTPA, copper EGTA, copper BAPTA, copper DOTA, copper MGDA, copper GLDA, and copper IDS.

[0066] The copper amino carboxylate complex may be selected from one or more of copper threoninate, copper prolinate, copper isoleucinate, copper arginine, copper lysine, copper tyrosine, copper aspartate, copper phenylalanine, copper sarcosine, copper glycinate, copper iminodiacetate, copper 12-aminododecanoate, and copper 2-aminocaprylate. Preferably, the copper amino carboxylate complex may be selected from one or more of copper lysine, copper glycinate, and copper iminodiacetate, more preferably copper glycinate and copper iminodiacetate.

[0067] Preferably, the copper amino carboxylate complex may be selected from one or more of copper lysine, copper glycinate, and copper iminodiacetate, wherein the copper lysine, copper glycinate, and copper iminodiacetate are formed from copper hydroxide.

[0068] Preferably, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex is selected from copper glycinate and copper iminodiacetate, wherein the copper glycinate and copper iminodiacetate are formed from copper hydroxide.

[0069] Preferably, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex is copper glycinate, wherein the copper glycinate is formed from copper hydroxide.

[0070] Preferably, the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex is copper iminodiacetate, wherein the copper iminodiacetate is formed from copper hydroxide.

[0071] The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex with a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm is selected from one or more of copper glycinate and copper iminodiacetate.

[0072] The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex, for example, the complex with a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm can be copper glycinate.

[0073] The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex, for example, the complex with a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm can be copper iminodiacetate.

[0074] The composition of the present invention may comprise any suitable amount of one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes. For example, the composition of the present invention may comprise up to 99% by weight, such as up to 90% by weight, such as up to 80% by weight of one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes (i.e., all copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes).

[0075] The composition of the present invention may comprise at least 1% by weight, such as at least 10% by weight, such as at least 20% by weight of one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes (i.e., all copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes).

[0076] The composition of the present invention may comprise 1% to 99% by weight, such as 10% to 95% by weight of one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes (i.e., all copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes).

[0077] The composition of the present invention may comprise 100 to 600 g of all one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes / kg of all compositions.

[0078] The fungicidal composition of the first aspect of the present invention may be in any suitable form, and is preferably in solid form. The fungicidal composition of the second aspect of the present invention is in solid form. For example, the fungicidal composition of the present invention may be in the form of granules, flakes, powders, tablets or pills (preferably granules). Preferably, the fungicidal composition of the present invention is water-dispersible or water-soluble.

[0079] The fungicidal composition of the present invention may be in the form of a concentrate, which, when mixed with a solvent (preferably water), forms a solution, suspension, emulsifiable concentrate, liquid concentrate, capsule concentrate or dispersion (preferably a solution or suspension). For example, the fungicidal composition of the present invention may be in solid form (such as granules, flakes, powders, tablets or pills, preferably granules), which provides a concentrate for mixing with a solvent (preferably water) to provide a solution, suspension, emulsifiable concentrate, liquid concentrate, capsule concentrate or dispersion (preferably a solution or suspension) suitable for application to a surface, for example, by spraying.

[0080] The fungicidal composition according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises one or more dispersants and one or more fillers, and may comprise any suitable additional components. The fungicidal composition according to the second aspect of the present invention may comprise any suitable additional components, such as one or more dispersants and / or one or more fillers.

[0081] Suitable dispersants include lignosulfonates, naphthalenesulfonates, polycarboxylates, naphthalenesulfonate condensates, acyl N-methyltaurates (especially methyl oleoyl taurate), phenol sulfonic acid condensates, polyvinyl alcohol and (where relevant) alkali metal salts and ammonium salts, and combinations thereof.

[0082] Suitable fillers include diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, calcium hydrogen carbonate, calcium-based bentonite and sodium-based bentonite, silica (such as fumed silica and / or precipitated silica), kaolin, attapulgite, perlite and combinations thereof.

[0083] Suitable other additional components may include antifoaming agents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, chelating agents, stabilizers, non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, additional fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides and bactericides (including antibiotic bactericides), disintegrants, binders, anti-caking agents and combinations thereof.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will know how to select appropriate amounts and combinations of other additional components to include in the fungicidal composition, for example, to maintain the solid composition (when required).

[0085] The fungicidal composition of the present invention may, for example, further comprise one or more antifoaming agents, stabilizers and wetting agents.

[0086] Suitable antifoaming agents may include silicone antifoaming agents (such as polydimethylsiloxane) and combinations thereof.

[0087] Suitable stabilizers may include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, polyoxypropylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block polymers, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols; alkylbenzene sulfonates, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, microfibrillated cellulose and silicates (such as magnesium aluminum silicate) and combinations thereof.

[0088] Suitable wetting agents can include dialkyl sulfosuccinates (such as dioctyl sulfosuccinate), alkyl polyglucosides (such as cocoglucoside), alkylbenzene sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, α-olefin sulfonates, acyl N-methyl taurates (such as sodium methyl cocoyl taurate), and phosphate esters and combinations thereof.

[0089] Suitable emulsifiers can include alkylbenzene sulfonates and combinations thereof.

[0090] Suitable chelating agents can include NTA, EDTA, EDDS, IDS, GLDA, HEDP, DTPA, DTPMP and their salts (such as disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA) and combinations thereof.

[0091] Suitable anionic surfactants can include alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylamide ether sulfates, alkylaryl polyether sulfates, alkylaryl sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates, monoglyceride sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylamide sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, benzene sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates (especially toluene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate and cumene sulfonate), alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, paraffin sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, ethoxylated sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, alkyl sulfacetates, alkyl phosphates, phosphate esters, alkyl ether phosphates, acyl sarcosinates, acyl hydroxyethyl sulfonates, acyl alkyl hydroxyethyl sulfonates, N-acyl taurates, N-acyl-N-alkyl taurates and alkyl carboxylates and combinations thereof.

[0092] Suitable nonionic surfactants can include glycerol ethers, ethylene glycol ethers, ethanolamides, sulfonamides, alcohols, amides, alcohol ethoxylates, glycerol esters, ethylene glycol esters, ethoxylates of glycerol esters and ethylene glycol esters, glycosyl alkyl polyglucosides, polyoxyethylenated fatty acids such as castor oil ethoxylate, alkanolamine condensates, alkanolamides, tertiary acetylenic diols, polyoxyethylenated thiols, carboxylic acid esters, polyoxyethylenated polypropylene glycols, sorbitan fatty acid esters, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymers, polyamines, polyethyleneimines, polyvinylpyrrolidones, sorbitan fatty acid alcohol ethoxylates and sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, and combinations thereof.

[0093] Suitable additional fungicides can include acylalanines (such as benalaxyl, metalaxyl, furconazole, oxadixyl), amine derivatives (such as dodemorph, dodine, dodemorph acetate, fenpropimorph, fenpropidin, guazatine, guazatine acetate, spiroxamine, tridemorph), anilinopyrimidines (such as pyrimethanil, mepanipyrim or cyprodinil), antibiotics (such as cycloheximide, griseofulvin, kasugamycin [note that this is included in one of the prior art documents], natamycin, polyoxins, oxytetracycline or streptomycin), azoles (such as bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, nitrile trifluoride, enilconazole, oxyconazole, myclobutanil, fluquinconazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imazalil, metconazole, myclothenil, propiconazole, prochloraz, prothioconazole, tebuconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, flusilazole, triticonazole), dicarboximides (such as iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, vinclozolin), dithiocarbamates (such as ferbam, mancozeb, mancozeb, metam-sodium, metiram, propineb, polycarbamate, thiram, ziram, zineb), heterocyclic compounds (such as anilazine, benomyl, boscalid, carbendazim, carboxin, oxycarboxin, cyazofamid, dazomet, dichlofluanid, fluazinam, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, isoprothiolane, hexachlorobenzene, metrafenone, pencycuron, propamocarb, phthalide, tolclofos-methyl, quintozene, benzalkonium chloride or hydroxyquinoline sulfate), nitro-phenyl derivatives (such as binapacryl, dinocap, dinobuton, nitrothal-isopropyl), phenylpyrroles (such as fenpiclonil or fludioxonil), sulfur, and fungicidal copper salts (such as copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride and copper sulfate) and combinations thereof.

[0094] Further suitable additional fungicides can include benalaxyl-M, benthiavalicarb, carpropamid, chlorothalonil, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, dazomet, fenpyrazamine, diclocymet, diethofencarb, edifenphos, isothiazolinone, cyazofamid, fenhexamid, triphenyltin acetate, cyanofenphos, cyazofamid, fluazinam, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, isoprocarb, hexachlorobenzene, metrafenone, pencycuron, propamocarb, phthalide, tolclofos-methyl, quintozene, benzalkonium chloride or hydroxyquinoline sulfate, strobilurins (such as azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, fluoxastrobin, picoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestroburin, pyraclostrobin, orysastrobin), sulfenic acid derivatives (such as captafol, captan, dichlofluanid, folpet, tolylfluanid), cinnamic acid amides and analogs (such as dimethomorph, flumetover or flumorph), and combinations thereof.

[0095] Suitable herbicides can include 2,4-D, clopyralid, chlorsulfuron, clopyralid, dicamba, diuron, flazasulfuron, flufenpyr-ethyl, glyphosate, hexazinone, imazapic, imazamethabenz, isoxaflutole, metsulfuron-methyl, orthosulfamuron, picloram, pinoxaden, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, sulfometuron-methyl, mesotrione, thiazopyr, thiazopyr, phenoxyacetic acid and triclopyr, and combinations thereof.

[0096] Suitable insecticides may include chlorantraniliprole, organochlorine, organophosphate, organosulfur, carbamate, formamidine, flubendiamide, dinitrophenol, organotin, pyrethroid, nicotinic, spinosad, pyrazole, oxazinone, quinazoline, botanical insecticide, pyrethrum, nicotine, rotenone, limonene, neem, antibiotic, fumigant, metofluthrin, fluoroquinolone, spirotetramat, deltamethrin, butylfluorfenuron and benzoylureas and combinations thereof.

[0097] Suitable nematicides may include calcium EDDS, 1,3 - dichloropropene (1,3 - D), chloropicrin, sodium metam, potassium metam, dimethyl disulfide, allyl isothiocyanate, thiodicarb, flazasulfuron, fluopyram, ethaboxam, terbufos and fluindapyr, and combinations thereof.

[0098] Suitable fungicides include C12 - 16(alkyl)dimethylbenzylammonium chloride and combinations thereof.

[0099] Suitable disintegrants include sodium croscarmellose, styrene - (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0100] Suitable binders include linseed oil, natural clay and synthetic clay and combinations thereof.

[0101] Suitable anti - caking agents include potassium ferrocyanide, sodium aluminosilicate, tricalcium phosphate, silica and microcrystalline cellulose and combinations thereof.

[0102] The dispersant (if present) can be included in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount. For example, the composition of the present invention may contain up to 20% by weight of one or more dispersants. The composition of the present invention may contain at least 1% by weight of one or more dispersants. The composition of the present invention may contain 1 to 20% by weight, for example 2 to 20% by weight of one or more dispersants (i.e., all dispersants).

[0103] The filler (if present) can be included in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount. For example, the composition of the present invention may contain up to 60% by weight (e.g., up to 50% by weight) of one or more fillers. The composition of the present invention may contain at least 3% by weight (e.g., at least 5% by weight) of one or more fillers. The composition of the present invention may contain 3% to 60% by weight (e.g., 5% to 50%) of one or more fillers (i.e., all fillers).

[0104] A wetting agent, if present, can be included in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount. For example, the composition of the present invention can contain up to 5% by weight of one or more wetting agents. The composition of the present invention can contain at least 0.5% by weight, such as at least 1% by weight of one or more wetting agents. The composition of the present invention can contain 0.5% to 5% by weight, such as 1% to 5% by weight of one or more wetting agents (i.e., all wetting agents).

[0105] An antifoaming agent, if present, can be included in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount. For example, the composition of the present invention can contain up to 0.5% by weight of one or more antifoaming agents. The composition of the present invention can contain at least 0.01% by weight of one or more antifoaming agents. The composition of the present invention can contain 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of one or more antifoaming agents (i.e., all antifoaming agents).

[0106] Additional additional components and combinations thereof can be included in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount, as can be readily determined by those skilled in the art.

[0107] The fungicidal composition and the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex described herein can be used to control the growth of fungi on surfaces.

[0108] The fungi mentioned include any fungi, including Candida species, Aspergillus species, Fusarium species, Cryptococcus species, Staphylococcus species, Escherichia coli, Phytophthora species, Pythium species, Colletotrichum species, Helminthosporium species, Alternaria species, Puccinia species, Sclerotinia species, Cercospora species, Rhizoctonia species, Microsporum species, Trichophyton species, Ascosporic fungi, tinea pedis and other filamentous fungi, as well as fungi commonly known as molds.

[0109] For example, the fungi whose growth can be controlled according to the present invention include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, Trichoderma viride, Polyporus betulinus, Staphylococcus aureus, Plasmopara unica, Pseudoperonospora cubensis, Septoria nodorum, Leptosphaeria nodorum, Ustilago maydis, Erysiphe graminis, Sphaerotheca fuliginea, Uncinula necator, Septoria tritici, Podosphaera leucotricha, Gleophyllum trabeur, Phialophora mutabilis, brown rot fungi, Trametes versicolor, Erysiphe cichoracearum, and Peronospora tabacina.

[0110] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a fungicidal composition according to the first or second aspect of the present invention or a copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to the third aspect of the present invention for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface.

[0111] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of copper iminodiacetate for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface.

[0112] Copper iminodiacetate can be formed by the reaction of a copper compound (such as a copper salt (such as copper hydroxide)) and iminodiacetic acid.

[0113] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface, the method comprising applying an effective amount of a fungicidal composition according to the first or second aspect of the present invention or a copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to the third aspect of the present invention to the surface.

[0114] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface, the method comprising applying an effective amount of copper iminodiacetate to the surface.

[0115] The fungicidal compositions, copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes and copper iminodiacetate described herein can be used for controlling the growth of fungi on any suitable surface. Suitable surfaces include solid and / or hard surfaces, especially surfaces exposed to air and moisture. Suitable surfaces include household appliances, industrial equipment, medical equipment, food preparation and / or processing equipment, agricultural equipment, plants (especially their leaves), and the surfaces of the human and animal bodies.

[0116] "Plant" includes trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, vines, ferns and mosses, which are generally grown in a fixed location. These plants can be those that produce fruits, grains and / or vegetables, and thus the uses described herein can be applied to cultivated crops for agricultural purposes. Suitable crops include grapevines, citrus plants, potato plants and tomato plants.

[0117] The surface can be the surface of a plant, such as the leaves of a plant.

[0118] The surface can be the surface of a household appliance, industrial equipment, medical equipment, food preparation and / or processing equipment, or agricultural equipment.

[0119] The surface can be the surface of a household appliance, industrial equipment, medical equipment or food preparation and / or processing equipment.

[0120] The method of the present invention comprises applying an effective amount of a fungicidal composition or a copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to the present invention to the surface. The composition or complex can be applied to the surface by any suitable means. Suitably, the composition or complex can be applied by spraying.

[0121] For example, the fungicidal composition or copper aminocarboxylic acid complex of the present invention can be applied as an aqueous solution or dispersion by spraying onto a surface.

[0122] The solid compositions described herein can be made into liquid formulations before application (e.g., by spraying) onto the surface to be treated. The liquid formulation can be in the form of a suspension, solution, emulsifiable concentrate, liquid concentrate, capsule concentrate, or dispersion. Suitably, the liquid formulation is an aqueous formulation.

[0123] In addition to the above additives, the liquid formulation can further contain additional additives. These additional additives can include stabilizers, cosolvents, and / or antifreeze agents.

[0124] Suitable stabilizers can include alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, and glycerol.

[0125] Suitable cosolvents can include alkanols, benzyl acetate, dialkyl carbonates (e.g., dibutyl carbonate), and lactate esters (e.g., 2-ethylhexyl lactate).

[0126] Suitable antifreeze agents can include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea, glycerol, and antifreeze proteins.

[0127] The characteristics of the compositions and copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes regarding the uses and methods described herein are as set forth herein regarding the compositions and complexes.

[0128] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0129] Examples The copper bioavailability of the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex was determined according to the following method: Colorimetric determination of copper content: Using a Hach Lange DR3900 spectrophotometer, a colorimetric absorbance measurement was performed on a copper nitrate solution of known concentration at 635 nm, and the following linear relationship was obtained: The absorbance was measured relative to a standard solution of 9.9 ml of deionized water and 0.1 ml of 68% to 70% nitric acid.

[0130] The following formula was used to convert the copper content to bioavailable copper: .

[0131] To determine the copper content of each copper aminocarboxylic acid complex, 9.9 ml of the filtered copper-containing solution and 0.1 ml of 68% to 70% nitric acid were added to a spectrometer vial to allow all copper complexes to react completely to copper nitrate.

[0132] Record the absorbance at 635 nm (pre-zero with 9.9 mL of deionized water and 0.1 mL of nitric acid solution).

[0133] Determine the initial solubility and repeated solubility of the copper amino-carboxylic acid complex according to the following method: Initial solubility: Prepare a solution of each copper amino-carboxylic acid complex by dissolving 2 g of the copper complex in 100 mL of deionized water and stirring at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then sample the solution and filter it through a 0.45 µm syringe filter.

[0134] Dilute the filtered copper liquid with 1% nitric acid to obtain a solution containing up to approximately 1 mg / L Cu2+. Then determine the total copper content using a Perkin Elmer NexION 350D and convert it to bioavailable copper using the above formula.

[0135] Repeated solubility: Add 1 g of the copper amino-carboxylic acid complex to 50 ml of deionized water in a 50 ml centrifuge tube and stir. Centrifuge the resulting mixture at 4000 rpm for 30 minutes, sample and filter through a 0.45 µm syringe filter. Determine the copper content using the above colorimetric method.

[0136] Pour out the remaining liquid in the centrifuge tube, leaving only some undissolved material. Add 50 ml of fresh deionized water to the centrifuge tube containing the undissolved material. Repeat the stirring and centrifugation process until no undissolved material remains.

[0137] These measurements indicate the copper bioavailability after repeated wetting during use.

[0138] Example 1 - Synthesis of Copper Glycinate Add glycine (35 g) to 250 mL of deionized water with stirring at room temperature. After glycine is completely dissolved, add copper hydroxide (25 g) in batches and stir for 1 hour. The resulting mixture is vacuum filtered through a Buchner funnel. The collected solid material is dried in an oven at 43 °C for 96 hours. The dried solid is ground into powder using a Waring blender.

[0139] Example 2 - Synthesis of Copper Iminodiacetate Add iminodiacetic acid (45 g) to 250 mL of deionized water, stir and heat to 65 °C. After iminodiacetic acid is completely dissolved, add copper hydroxide (25 g) in batches and stir at 65 °C for 1 hour. Then cool the mixture to room temperature and vacuum filter through a Buchner funnel. The collected solid material is dried in an oven at 43 °C for 72 hours.

[0140] Example 3 - Synthesis of Other Copper Amino-Carboxylic Acid Complexes Copper acetate· H2O was dissolved in a 50 / 50 volume ratio of deionized water / ethanol mixture at 60 °C. With stirring, an amino acid in deionized water (molar ratio of copper to amino acid was 1:2) was added. The resulting solution was cooled to 5 °C. If a precipitate formed, it was vacuum filtered using a Buchner funnel. Otherwise, the solution was vacuum concentrated to form a thick oil. The solid or oil was vacuum dried at 75 °C for 24 to 48 hours to obtain the copper complex.

[0141] Table 1 below lists the prepared copper complexes and their copper bioavailability values determined based on initial solubility measurements.

[0142] Table 1 Copper complex ICP-MS determination of bioavailable copper (ppm) Copper threonine 233050 Copper proline 227150 Copper isoleucine 13050 Copper arginine 152250 Copper lysine 106950 Copper tyrosine 3200 Copper L-aspartate 7125 Copper phenylalanine 5250 Copper sarcosine 278000 Copper glycine 86500 Copper iminodiacetate 33000 Copper 12-aminododecanoate 9200 Copper 2-aminooctanoate 150

[0143] The copper bioavailability values were determined by repeated solubility measurements of the copper complexes (copper glycinate, copper iminodiacetate, copper lysinate, and copper tyrosine) provided in Table 2 below.

[0144] Table 2

[0145] Table 2 shows that copper glycinate and copper iminodiacetate have good bioavailability in 3 or more wetting / steps.

[0146] The present invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The present invention covers any novel feature or any novel combination thereof disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel step or any novel combination thereof in any method or process step disclosed.

Claims

1. A fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes, one or more dispersants, and one or more fillers.

2. The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes has a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm.

3. The fungicidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more of an antifoaming agent, a stabilizer, a wetting agent, an antifoaming agent, an emulsifier, a chelating agent, a stabilizer, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, an additional fungicide, a herbicide, an insecticide, a nematicide, a bactericide, a disintegrant, a binder, an anti-caking agent (suitably an antifoaming agent, a stabilizer, and a wetting agent), and combinations thereof.

4. A fungicidal composition comprising one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes, each complex having a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm, wherein the composition is in solid form.

5. The fungicidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein after washing 2 times or suitably 3 times with deionized water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, each of the one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes has a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 90,000 ppm.

6. The fungicidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more copper aminocarboxylic acid complexes provides a reduced copper elution rate from the surface to which it is applied, as compared to alternative copper complexes such as copper hydroxide.

7. The fungicidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition provides an effective fungicidal action on the surface with fewer applications on the surface, as compared to a fungicidal composition comprising an alternative copper complex such as copper hydroxide.

8. The fungicidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims, which is in the form of granules, flakes, powders, tablets, or pellets.

9. The fungicidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims, which is in the form of a concentrate that forms a solution, suspension, emulsifiable concentrate, liquid concentrate, capsule concentrate, or dispersion (preferably a solution or suspension) upon mixing with a solvent (preferably water).

10. A copper aminocarboxylic acid complex having a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 100,000 ppm.

11. The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to claim 10, which has a copper bioavailability of 20,000 to 90,000 ppm after washing 2 times or suitably 3 times with deionized water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

12. The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the complex provides a reduced copper elution rate from the surface to which it is applied, as compared to alternative copper complexes such as copper hydroxide.

13. The copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the complex provides an effective fungicidal action on the surface with fewer applications on the surface, as compared to alternative copper complexes such as copper hydroxide.

14. The fungicidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex is formed from an aminomonocarboxylic acid or an aminopolycarboxylic acid (such as an aminodicarboxylic acid).

15. The fungicidal composition or copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to claim 14, wherein the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex is formed from an aminomonocarboxylic acid selected from one or more of glycine, lysine, and tyrosine.

16. The fungicidal composition or copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to claim 14, wherein the copper aminocarboxylic acid complex is formed from one or more aminodicarboxylic acids selected from iminodiacetic acid, aspartic acid, and ethylenediamine - N,N' - bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid).

17. Use of the fungicidal composition or copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to any one of the preceding claims for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface.

18. Use of copper iminodiacetate for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface.

19. The use according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the surface is the surface of a plant.

20. The use according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the surface is the surface of a household device, an industrial device, a medical device, a food preparation and / or processing device, or an agricultural device.

21. A method for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface, the method comprising applying an effective amount of the fungicidal composition or copper aminocarboxylic acid complex according to any one of claims 1 to 16 to the surface.

22. A method for controlling the growth of fungi on a surface, the method comprising applying an effective amount of copper iminodiacetate to the surface.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the fungicidal composition or copper aminocarboxylic acid complex is applied as an aqueous solution or dispersion by spraying onto the surface.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the surface is the surface of a plant.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the surface is the surface of a household device, an industrial device, a medical device, a food preparation and / or processing device, or an agricultural device.

26. The use according to any one of claims 17 to 20 or the method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the fungi are one or more of the following: Candida species, Aspergillus species, Fusarium species, Cryptococcus species, Staphylococcus species, Escherichia coli, Phytophthora species, Pythium species, Colletotrichum species, Helminthosporium species, Alternaria species, Puccinia species, Sclerotinia species, Cercospora species, Rhizoctonia species, Microsporum species, Trichophyton species, Cystospora species, tinea pedis and other filamentous fungi, and fungi commonly known as molds.

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