Method for fungicidal treatment of harvested crops

Abstract

A method for cold aerosolizing a fungicidally active compound to a harvested crop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the handling of harvested crops and, more particularly, to compositions and methods for handling post-harvest crops. Background Art

[0002] As discussed by Stathers, T et al. in "A scoping review of interventions for crop post-harvest loss reduction in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia", Nat Sustain 2020, 3, 821 - 835, the global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Such growth will require a 60% increase in food production compared to the levels of 2005 - 2007. Thus, it is recognized that reducing post-harvest losses of food crops is a key component of sustainably increasing agricultural productivity.

[0003] In fact, post-harvest losses of crops not only result in the loss of valuable crops but also in the loss of inputs (such as water, energy, labor, etc.) required for the production and distribution of the crops. Given the large scale of post-harvest losses, reducing post-harvest losses can help: (1) build more sustainable and resilient food systems, and (2) reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, reducing post-harvest losses can further optimize agricultural productivity and increase the income of small-scale food producers and related value chain participants. Thus, there remains a need for methods to protect crops from post-harvest losses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments include a method of cold atomizing a composition onto a pile or stack of harvested crops, the composition having from about 1% to about 20% by weight of a first fungicidal active compound, from about 1% to about 90% by weight of water, and at least one filler. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Figure 1A and 1B Illustrates the volume median diameter (VMD) of a cold atomized formulation.

[0006] Figure 2A and 2B Illustrates the residues of agrochemicals from cold atomizing and conventional spraying.

[0007] Figure 3 is an illustrative image of a typical storage unit for post-harvest potatoes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Before describing certain embodiments in more detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, as such embodiments may of course vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing certain embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of this disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0009] Several definitions are described herein. Such definitions are meant to cover grammatical equivalents.

[0010] As used herein, when referring to measurable values (such as amounts, time intervals, etc.), the term "about" is meant to cover variations. However, such variations depend on the particular component involved and the context understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0011] In cases where a range of values is provided, it is to be understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit (unless the context clearly dictates otherwise), between the upper and lower limits of that range, and any other stated value or intervening value in the stated range, is encompassed within this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within this disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. In cases where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding one or both of those included limits are also included in this disclosure.

[0012] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure; representative illustrative methods and materials are now described.

[0013] Each individual embodiment described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features that can be readily separated from or combined with the features of any one of several other embodiments, without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of recited events or in any other order that is logically possible.

[0014] The term agrochemical active ingredient includes compounds or ingredients that are registered as biologically active against agricultural pests. Generally, agrochemical active ingredients include the compounds listed in The Pesticide Manual, 12th Edition, 2001, British Crop Protection Council. Agrochemicals include, but are not limited to, selective herbicides, fungicides, other insecticides, bactericides, insect growth regulators, plant growth regulators, nematicides, molluscicides, or mixtures of several of these formulations.

[0015] Generally, the present disclosure provides compositions for post-harvest treatment and methods of using and preparing the compositions. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a fungicidally active compound, water, and a filler. These compositions can be used in cold atomization applications.

[0016] Current post-harvest protection methods include techniques such as spraying or fogging or hot atomizing a composition containing an agrochemical active ingredient onto the harvested crop before or during crop storage. These techniques are different from cold atomization.

[0017] For example, spraying or fogging differs from cold atomization at least in terms of droplet size, coverage, and precision. Generally, there are physical differences in the droplet size of the droplets used to apply agrochemical active ingredients between spraying or fogging and cold atomization. While fog particles can have a diameter of less than about 50 microns, fog droplets tend to have a diameter greater than 50 microns. The difference in droplet size affects the ability of the droplets to travel and cover an area.

[0018] Hot atomization differs from cold atomization at least in terms of the temperature of the composition. While hot atomizers utilize heat to evaporate and atomize the composition, cold atomizers utilize pressure and other techniques to produce small droplet sizes. Due to the heat involved in hot atomization, it may be disadvantageous to use heat-sensitive agrochemical active ingredients. In addition, cold atomization can use existing water-based formulations without concern for solvent / plant toxicity effects, and cold atomization also does not have the same explosion risk that may come from hot atomization operations.

[0019] As used herein, the term fungicidally active compound includes compounds that are active against phytopathogenic fungi. Fungicidally active compounds include those compounds that are solids at room temperature (25 °C) and those compounds that are liquids at room temperature. Compounds can include any number of classes of compounds, such as triazole derivatives, strobilurins, carbamates (including thio- and dithiocarbamates), benzimidazoles (thiabendazole), N-trihalomethylthio compounds (captan), substituted benzenes, carboxamides, phenylamides, phenylpyrroles, and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors.

[0020] Suitable triazole derivatives may include propiconazole, difenoconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, and triticonazole. Suitable strobilurins include trifloxystrobin, azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and picoxystrobin. In other examples, suitable carbamates include thiram. Suitable substituted benzenes include quintozene (PCNB) and chlorothalonil. Suitable carboxamides include carboxin. Suitable phenylamides include metalaxyl; metalaxyl consisting of greater than 70% by weight of the R-enantiomer; metalaxyl consisting of greater than 85% by weight of the R-enantiomer; metalaxyl consisting of greater than 92% by weight of the R-enantiomer; metalaxyl consisting of greater than 97% by weight of the R-enantiomer; and mefenoxam (i.e., R-metalaxyl or metalaxyl-M). Suitable succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors include benzovindiflupyr.

[0021] Other suitable fungicidal active compounds may include benomyl (also known as benlate), bitertanol, carbendazim, cyproconazole, cymoxanil, cyprodinil, ethirimol, fenpiclonil, fenpropimorph, fluquinconazole, flutolanil, flusilazole, fosetyl-aluminum, tridemorph, guazatine, hymexazol, kasugamycin, imazalil, imibenconazole, guazatine triacetate, ipconazole, iprodione, mancozeb, maneb, dimethomorph, metconazole, mancopper, myclobutanil, fluoromide, oxadixyl, copper quinolate, oxolinic acid, pyroquilon, quintozene, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, tolclofos-methyl, triadimenol, triazoxide, and flutriafol.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fungicidal active compound may include a combination of compounds. In one example, the mixture of fungicidal active compounds contains fludioxonil and thiabendazole. In another example, the mixture of fungicidal active compounds contains fludioxonil and azoxystrobin. In another example, the mixture of fungicidal active compounds contains fludioxonil and propiconazole. In another example, the mixture of fungicidal active compounds may contain fludioxonil, mefenoxam, and difenoconazole. In another example, the mixture of fungicidal active compounds contains fludioxonil, mefenoxam, difenoconazole, and azoxystrobin.

[0023] Preferred agrochemical active ingredients include fluxapyroxad, azoxystrobin, fludioxonil, difenoconazole, thiabendazole, and triflumizole. Certain embodiments specifically include synthetic agrochemicals. However, other agrochemical active ingredients to be mentioned include ozone, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, Pseudomonas syringae strain ESC-10, and peracetic acid.

[0024] The amount of the fungicidal active compound can vary. In typical embodiments, the fungicidal active component accounts for about 1% to about 50% by weight of the composition. In some instances, the amount of the fungicidal active component can be at least one of the following: about 1% to about 25% by weight of the composition; about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition; about 1% to about 15% by weight of the composition; about 1% to about 10% by weight of the composition; and about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the first fungicidal active compound can be about 1% to about 20% by weight percentage. For example, the first fungicidal active compound can be about 5% to about 15% by weight, or even about 6% to 12%. The composition can further comprise a second fungicidal active compound, which is different from the first fungicidal active compound and can also be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight percentage, such as about 5% to about 15% by weight, or even about 6% to 12%. Some embodiments include a third fungicidal active compound, wherein all three fungicidal active compounds are different and can also be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight percentage, about 5% to about 15% by weight, or even about 6% to 12%.

[0025] The amount of water in the composition can vary. In typical embodiments, water accounts for about 1% to about 90% by weight of the composition. In some instances, the amount of water can be at least one of the following: about 20% to about 80% by weight of the composition; about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition; about 40% to about 80% by weight of the composition; about 50% to about 80% by weight of the composition; and about 60% to about 75% by weight of the composition. In many instances, water will account for about 70% by weight of the composition.

[0026] In some embodiments, the composition can contain a filler. As used herein, a filler refers to a component that stabilizes and homogenizes the agrochemical active ingredient throughout the atomized composition.

[0027] Suitable fillers that can be used can include at least one of the following: 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, α-tocopherol, amyl acetate, decanol, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, hexanol, isopropyl myristate, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl oleate, N-methylpyrrolidone, octanol, oleic acid, oleyl alcohol, propylene glycol, p-xylene, triacetin. Other fillers can be preferred.

[0028] The amount of the filler can vary, for example, from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the treatment composition; from about 5% to about 45% by weight of the treatment composition; from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the treatment composition; from about 5% to about 35% by weight of the treatment composition; from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the treatment composition; from about 5% to about 25% by weight of the treatment composition; from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the treatment composition; from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the treatment composition; and from about 8% to about 12% by weight of the treatment composition.

[0029] Certain composition embodiments disclosed herein are particularly suitable for cold atomization application, and even more particularly, in many embodiments, as ready-to-fog (RTF) compositions for cold atomization application. As used herein, RTF compositions include compositions that do not require at least one of the following: dilution before cold atomization or combining (e.g., by melting, heating, or other means) the active ingredient onto the carrier before atomization. Thus, in many instances, the RTF compositions disclosed herein can be contained within a storage and transport container and be atomizable upon opening the storage and transport container.

[0030] In embodiments where the composition is not RTF, the composition can be diluted before cold atomization. The dilution ratio can be greater than 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:10, 1:14, 1:16, 1:25, 1:50, 1:64, 1:100, etc. The dilution ratio can be selected based on the concentration of the agrochemical in the composition and the desired residue on the post-harvest crop.

[0031] A variety of cold atomizers can be used. Examples of cold atomizers include Typhoon I, Maxi-Pro 2D, VersaFogger, Nightstar, and Dyna Jet L30. Alternatively, the nozzle of the cold atomizer can be attached to the top or wall of a structure for storing post-harvest crops. These systems can be constructed according to the specifications of a particular storage facility and the crop being stored.

[0032] These compositions can be used to produce fogs having a variety of particle sizes for uniform distribution during the application of the active ingredient. Embodiments include compositions that can produce a fog having a volume median diameter (VMD) of particle size in the range of about two to about twenty microns. In many instances, the composition can produce a fog having a VMD of particle size in the range of about four to about twenty microns or about three to about ten microns. The particle size achievable by this disclosure, particularly a particle size of about five to about ten microns, allows for excellent distribution of the active ingredient onto the post-harvest crop. The particle size VMD can be determined using a Sympatec HELOS laser diffraction sensor at a distance of approximately 1 meter from the outlet of the atomizer.

[0033] In some embodiments, the area for storing harvested crops is a large structure. For example, the area can be capable of storing several tons (kg) of crops, such as at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1,000 or more tons. Illustrative images of the area for post-harvest processing are shown in Figure 3 it.

[0034] In some instances, fillers can also be used to increase the visibility of the composition after atomization. These fillers can be the same as or different from the fillers used to stabilize and homogenize the compositions. Increasing the visibility of the atomized composition can provide many benefits, including for example reducing the exposure of the applicator to the atomized composition or increasing the contact of the atomized composition with the harvested crops by at least one. For example, when measured by obscuring light in the range of at least one of the following: 20% to 70% Copt; 25% to 65% Copt; 30% to 60% Copt; 35% to 55% Copt; and 40% to 50% Copt. The Copt measurement can be carried out using a Sympatec HELOS laser diffraction sensor at a distance of approximately 1 meter from the outlet of the atomizer.

[0035] The compositions disclosed herein can also include other inert additives. Such additives include thickeners, flow enhancers, wetting agents, defoamers, biocides, buffers, lubricants, drift control agents, deposition enhancers, adjuvants, evaporation blockers, cryoprotectants, stabilizing metal salts or hydroxides, UV protectants, fragrances, etc.

[0036] The embodiments also include methods of treating harvested fruits or vegetables, for example, by applying the compositions disclosed herein. As noted, the preferred application method will include application by cold atomization, as described above.

[0037] In many embodiments, the target crops to be protected can include any kind of fruits or vegetables. Exemplary post-harvest materials include apples, pears, plums, grapes, peaches, almonds, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, bananas, spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, beets, red peppers, beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, zucchinis, cucumbers, melons, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, citrus fruits, etc. Obviously, this list does not represent any limitation on the target crops.

[0038] The following examples illustrate the invention but are not intended to limit its scope. In the following examples, and throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, % generally refers to w / w. Example 1

[0039] The agrochemical formulation was tested in both spraying and cold atomization applications to compare the quality of spraying and determine the amount of active compound on the leaves. Four different treatments were sprayed at two different dilutions: GPA = gallons per acre.

[0040] is a commercially available fungicidal composition with 37.5% w / w cyprodinil and 25% w / w fludioxonil sold by

[0041] The fungicide is a commercially available fungicidal composition with 30% w / w azoxystrobin and 15% w / w benzovindiflupyr sold by

[0042] The fungicide is a commercially available fungicidal composition with 18.7% fluopyram sold by

[0043] The GNL insecticide is a commercially available insecticidal composition with 18.66% w / w cyantraniliprole sold by

[0044] For the conventional treatment: For each treatment, three organically grown begonias were placed in a row in a spraying chamber 20 inches below the spraying nozzle. Each treatment was sprayed on the plants at 40 psi and 3 mph through an 8001 nozzle. One hour after application, leaves were collected from each of the three plants, placed in separate sealed plastic bags labeled with an ID, and sent for residue analysis.

[0045] ​​​​For atomization treatment: Atomization application is carried out inside the tent so as to contain fog within several hours after application. Each treatment is sprayed on the plants from a fixed position 6 feet above the plants at 20 psi through a Dramm nozzle. To avoid contamination, the tent walls are covered with plastic sheets which are replaced after each treatment. One treatment is sprayed per day and leaves are collected several hours after application. To prolong the circulation of droplets, no ventilation system is used. During application, the tent is sealed to avoid loss. Calculations are based on the Dramm manual instructions. Two different types of collections are adopted: (1) Begonia leaves (3 replicates, leaves) are collected, frozen and processed by analysis; the active ingredient is quantified in ppb; and (2) filter papers (3 replicates), and the active ingredient is quantified in ppb.

[0046] The mean (VMD) and mean (10) results are provided in Figure 1A and 1B In it. As shown, the mean (VMD) remains below 15 microns. The residue results are provided in Figure 2A and 2B In it, indicating that the residue results of the atomization residues are as good as the spray application and use less water even if they are not equal to or greater than the spray application. Example 2

[0047] The fungicide (12.51% w / w azoxystrobin, 12.51% w / w fludioxonil, and 9.76% w / w difenoconazole, commercially available from Syngenta) is cold atomized by first diluting 1 part to 14 parts of water and then further diluting the mixture by injecting the mixture into the carrier stream. Residues are measured on potato piles (about 5 potatoes high) and filter papers. The particle size measured from the cold atomizer is about 30 microns and it does not move well through the potato pile. The residue measured from the potatoes at the bottom of the pile is less than 10% of the residue measured at the top of the pile. In addition, this treatment produces wet potatoes. After 24 hours, the potatoes at the top of the pile are still visibly wet, while most of the potatoes at the bottom are dry. Example 3

[0048] As shown in Example 1, the parameters of the cold atomization machine can be changed to obtain smaller particles, thus obtaining fog droplets of, for example, 15 microns. Obtaining a smaller droplet size can allow the droplets to move more efficiently through the piles or stacks of harvested crops (such as potatoes).

[0049] Although only several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications to the exemplary embodiments are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising cold atomizing a composition onto a heap or stack of harvested crop, the composition comprising: 1% to 20% by weight of a first fungicidally active compound; 1% to 90% by weight of water; and at least one filler.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first fungicidally active compound comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of triazole derivatives, strobilurins, carbamates, benzimidazoles, N-trichloromethylthio compounds, substituted benzenes, carboxamides, phenylamides, phenylpyrroles, and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein The first fungicidally active compound is selected from fludioxonil, metalaxyl-M, metalaxyl, difenoconazole, propiconazole, thiabendazole, and azoxystrobin.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The harvested crop is potatoes.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The cold atomizing comprises forcing the composition through an orifice under high pressure.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The forcing is effected by directly compressing the composition with a pump.

7. The method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein, The high pressure is 2500 - 3000 psi.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein The forcing is effected by compressed air.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The cold atomizing comprises generating ultrasonic waves to atomize the composition.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The cold atomizing comprises generating kinetic energy to atomize the liquid.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The cold atomizing comprises direct cold atomizing into a storage chamber of the harvested crop.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The cold atomizing comprises introducing the mist into a plenum chamber of a large volume of slowly moving air mass.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature of the composition in the cold atomizer is 33°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The mist particles have a volume median diameter of 4 to 20 microns.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The mist particles have a volume median diameter of 5 to 10 microns.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising mixing a concentrated composition comprising the first fungicidally active compound to form the composition.

17. The method according to claim 1, further comprising configuring a cold atomizer device to produce a mist having a volume median diameter of 4 to 20 microns with a uniform dosage composition by adjusting at least one of the following: (a) the ratio of the first fungicidally active compound, the water, and the at least one filler, (b) the temperature of the composition during atomization, (c) the flow rate of the composition in the cold atomizer device, (d) the energy source for atomization, and (e) the orifice size of the nozzle on the cold atomizer device.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Cold atomizing comprises diluting the composition.

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