Pesticidal mixtures for controlling pests

Abstract

The present application relates to a method of combating and / or controlling harmful insects selected from the family Noctuidae, which method comprises applying to the harmful insects, to the locus of the harmful insects, to plants susceptible to attack by the harmful insects or to plant propagation material susceptible to attack by the harmful insects a pesticidal composition comprising as active ingredient A flupyradifurone and as active ingredient B chlorfenapyr.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to compositions containing bioactive ingredients that kill harmful organisms, and to methods of using these compositions in the agricultural field.

[0002] WO 2011067272 disclosed that certain isoxazoline compounds have insecticidal activity.

[0003] The present invention provides a method for combating and / or controlling pests selected from the family Noctuidae, the method comprising applying a pest-killing composition to the pest, the site of the pest, a plant susceptible to the pest, or plant propagation material susceptible to the pest, the pest-killing composition comprising isoxazolidinamide as active ingredient A and bromfenac as active ingredient B.

[0004] It has now been unexpectedly discovered that the pest-killing composition, or in other words, the mixture of active ingredients according to the invention, achieves a synergistic effect in treating pests selected from the Noctuidae family, preferably from the genus Spodoptera (e.g., more preferably Spodoptera littoralis or Spodoptera frugiperda). The pest-killing composition achieves a high degree of pest control, particularly in a short period of time.

[0005] Throughout this document, the term "composition" refers to various mixtures or combinations of active ingredients (A) and (B), for example, in a single "ready-to-use with water" form, in a combined spray mixture (consisting of formulations of separate single active ingredient components) (such as a "tank mix"), and when used in a sequential manner (i.e., one after another over a suitably short period of time, such as hours or days). For the purposes of this invention, the order in which active ingredients (A) and (B) are applied is not critical.

[0006] Isoxazolamide is an insecticidal agricultural chemical with the following CAS number: 2061933-85-3, and has the following chemical formula:

[0007]

[0008] Isoxazolidinamide may include the isomer (5S,4R), which is 4-[(5S)-5-(3,5-dichloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazo-3-yl]-N-[(4R)-2-ethyl-3-oxo-isoxazoline-4-yl]-2-methyl-benzamide, and optionally at least one isomer selected from isomer (5S,4S), isomer (5R,4R), isomer (5R,4S), and any combination thereof. In this invention, isomer (5S,4S) is 4-[(5S)-5-(3,5-dichloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-N-[(4S)-2-ethyl-3-oxo-isoxazolidine-4-yl]-2-methyl-benzamide; isomer (5R,4R) is 4-[(5R)-5-(3,5-dichloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-N-[(4R)-2-ethyl-3-oxo-isoxazolidine-4-yl]-2-methyl-benzamide; and isomer (5R,4S) It is 4-[(5R)-5-(3,5-dichloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazo-3-yl]-N-[(4S)-2-ethyl-3-oxo-isoxazoline-4-yl]-2-methyl-benzamide. When isoxazolidinamide further comprises at least one isomer selected from isomers (5S,4S), (5R,4R), (5R,4S), and any combination thereof, isoxazolidinamide may comprise isomer (5S,4R) in a molar proportion greater than 50% relative to the total amount of isomers (5S,4R), (5S,4S), (5R,4R), and (5R,4S), for example, at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of isomer (5S,4R).

[0009] The molar percentage of isomer (5S,4S) relative to the total amount of isomers (5S,4R), (5S,4S), (5R,4R), and (5R,4S) can be less than 50%, for example, up to 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1%.

[0010] The molar percentage of isomer (5R,4R) relative to the total amount of isomers (5S,4R), (5S,4S), (5R,4R), and (5R,4S) can be less than 50%, for example, up to 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1%.

[0011] The molar percentage of isomer (5R,4S) relative to the total amount of isomers (5S,4R), (5S,4S), (5R,4R), and (5R,4S) can be less than 50%, for example, up to 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1%.

[0012] Active ingredient B is bromfenac, which has the following CAS number: 122453-73-0.

[0013] According to the present invention, active ingredients (A) and (B) may be present in synergistically effective amounts in the pest-killing composition.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of active ingredient A to active ingredient B (in grams of active ingredients) can range from 1:1 to 1:100, preferably 1:1 to 1:50, preferably 1:1 to 1:30, preferably 1:1 to 1:20, and more preferably 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9 or 1:10.

[0015] The active ingredient A according to the present invention can be used to prepare suspension concentrates (SC), flowable suspensions (FS), emulsions (SE), suspension concentrate-capsule suspension blends (ZC), water-soluble granules (SG), water-dispersible granules (WG), water-dispersible tablets (WT), dispersible concentrates (DC), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), or oil dispersions (OD). The most preferred formulation types are suspension concentrates, dispersible concentrates, or suspension concentrate-capsule suspension blends.

[0016] The above-mentioned formulations can be prepared using ingredients and techniques well known in the art (e.g., as described in documents WO 2022 / 128912 or WO 2023 / 232559).

[0017] For example, the biocidal composition according to the invention, particularly for preparing active ingredient A, may further comprise at least one component selected from polyoxyethylene copolymers, acrylic acid graft copolymers, oxygenated hydrocarbons, lignin compounds, lactamide compounds, and ether solvents, preferably at least two of the components, preferably at least three of the components, and more preferably at least four of the components.

[0018] In specific embodiments forming a suspension concentrate, particularly for preparing the biocidal composition of active ingredient A, the composition may further comprise at least one component selected from polyoxyethylene copolymers, acrylic acid graft copolymers, and oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, preferably at least two of the components, and more preferably all three components.

[0019] In specific embodiments forming a dispersible concentrate, particularly for preparing the biocidal composition of active ingredient A, the composition may further comprise at least one component selected from acrylic graft copolymers, lignin compounds, lactamide compounds, and ether solvents, preferably at least two of the components, preferably at least three of the components, and more preferably four of the components.

[0020] In this invention, the polyoxyethylene copolymer can be obtained from at least two different epoxides, such as from ethylene oxide monomers and propylene oxide monomers.

[0021] The polyoxyethylene copolymer may more preferably be a polyoxyethylene block copolymer of type AB, ABA, BAB, or ABABA.

[0022] More specifically, polyoxyethylene copolymers can be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of the corresponding cyclic ethylene oxide monomers and propylene oxide monomers.

[0023] Typically, ring-opening polymerization is initiated by adding water and alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. The block structure of the copolymer is formed by first polymerizing a polymer block using a monomer, and then adding a second monomer to form another polymer block.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the polyoxyethylene copolymer may be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer (EO-PO-EO block copolymer), or in other words, a poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer or a poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(propylene glycol)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer.

[0025] The polyoxyethylene copolymers of the present invention, and more particularly the EO-PO-EO block copolymers, can have a molecular weight of 1,000 g / mol to 15,000 g / mol, and more preferably 3,000 g / mol to 7,000 g / mol.

[0026] In this invention, the term "molecular weight" refers to the average molecular weight (i.e., the approximate molecular weight). The molecular weight of a polymer, or in other words, its molar mass, can be readily determined using methods well known in the art, such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0027] In the first embodiment, the EO-PO-EO block copolymer may have a polypropylene oxide molecular weight of 900 g / mol to 4,000 g / mol, and preferably 2,000 g / mol to 4,000 g / mol. In other words, the polypropylene oxide molecular weight is the molecular weight of the poly(propylene oxide) block of the EO-PO-EO block copolymer.

[0028] In the second embodiment, the EO-PO-EO block copolymer may have an ethylene oxide content of 10% to 80%, and preferably 30% to 50%, relative to the total weight of the copolymer. In other words, the ethylene oxide content is the percentage of poly(ethylene oxide) blocks in the EO-PO-EO block copolymer.

[0029] In the third embodiment, the EO-PO-EO block copolymer may have the features of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0030] Examples include GENAPOL ® PF series (CLARIANT), PLURONIC ® Series (BASF), SYNPERONIC ® PE series (CRODA) or TOXIMUL ® Series (STEPAN).

[0031] Acrylic acid graft copolymers typically have a comb-like or star-like structure, and preferably a comb-like structure.

[0032] Graft copolymers are branched copolymers in which the components forming the side chains are structurally different from the components forming the main chain.

[0033] Comb polymers contain a backbone (backbone) with branching points from which linear side chains emanate.

[0034] Star-shaped polymers contain a multifunctional center from which at least three polymer chains radiate.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the acrylic graft copolymer may be an amphiphilic copolymer.

[0036] More specifically, the acrylic graft copolymer comprises at least one component A (a hydrophilic portion) (which is soluble in an aqueous medium) and at least one other component B (which is hydrophobic).

[0037] Suitable acrylic graft copolymers may contain polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(acrylamide), or poly(vinyl alcohol) as hydrophilic side chains, while the hydrophobic skeleton may contain polymers and copolymers of styrene, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, or vinyl acetate.

[0038] Such acrylic graft copolymers can be prepared, for example, by converting the monomethyl ether of polyethylene glycol into acrylate or methacrylate, and then subjecting it to free radical polymerization along with other unsaturated monomers (such as styrene, ethyl acrylate, or methyl methacrylate). It is also possible to prepare such acrylic graft copolymers by reacting a hydrophobic polymer backbone (composed of chemically reactive sites such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) with monomeric alkyl oxides such as ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to form hydrophilic side chains.

[0039] More preferably, the acrylic graft copolymer is a nonionic polymer and more particularly has a comb-like structure.

[0040] In this invention, the acrylic graft copolymer may contain polyethylene glycol and / or monoether polyethylene glycol side chains.

[0041] Acrylic graft copolymers may also contain a backbone obtained from acrylate and / or methacrylate monomers.

[0042] Even more preferably, the acrylic graft copolymer may contain a backbone obtained from acrylate and / or methacrylate monomers, and side chains containing polyethylene glycol and / or monoether polyethylene glycol, thereby giving more specifically a polymer comb-like structure.

[0043] For example, the acrylic graft copolymer of the present invention may be Atlox 4913™ provided by Croda or Tersperse 2500™ provided by Huntsman.

[0044] The oxygen-containing hydrocarbon compound may be selected from alkyl ether compounds, alkyl ester compounds, and any mixture thereof; and is preferably selected from polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, sulfonated alkyl ester compounds, and any mixture thereof. In other words, the oxygen-containing hydrocarbon compound is preferably different from polyoxyethylene copolymers and different from acrylic acid graft copolymers.

[0045] Polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers can be obtained by reacting an alcohol with ethylene oxide. Suitable alcohols are those with C2 to C3 atoms. 15 Chain length, preferably having C7 to C 11 Chain length, and more preferably having C9 or C 10Long-chain, straight-chain or branched fatty alcohols. An example is Rhodasurf DA / 630-E™, supplied by Solvay-Rhodia.

[0046] The sulfonated alkyl ester compound can be a sulfosuccinate or a salt of a sulfosuccinate. An example is Aerosol™ OT-B, supplied by Solvay Rhodia.

[0047] The lignin compound may have a molecular weight of up to 10,000 g / mol, and preferably up to 5,000 g / mol. In a preferred embodiment, the lignin compound may have a molecular weight of at least 1,000 g / mol.

[0048] The lignin compound may more particularly be kraft lignin and / or unsulfonated lignin. In a preferred embodiment, the lignin compound may be unsulfonated kraft lignin.

[0049] Unsulfonated kraft lignin can be defined as lignin separated from cellulose using the kraft pulp process (also known as the sulfate process), specifically using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium sulfide (Na₂S). Unlike lignin produced via the acid sulfite process, this method produces unsulfonated lignin.

[0050] Lactic acid compounds can have the formula I: CH3CH(OH)C(=O)NR1R2 (I), where R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen; or C 1-6 Alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl or C 3-6 Cycloalkyl groups, each optionally composed of up to three independently selected from phenyl, hydroxyl, C 1-5 Alkyl, morpholino, and NR3R4 (where R3 and R4 are each independently C) 1-3 Alkyl groups are substituted; or phenyl groups are optionally substituted with up to three independently selected C14 groups. 1-3 Alkyl substituents; or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a morpholino, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, or azaheptanyl ring, each optionally being replaced by up to three independently selected C1-C2 rings. 1-3 Alkyl substituents. In preferred embodiments, R1 and R2 of the lactamide compound having formula I can each be independently hydrogen or C. 1-6 Alkyl, and more preferably hydrogen or C 1-3 Alkyl groups, such as dimethyl lactate or diethyl lactate.

[0051] Ether solvents can be selected from dialkyl ethers, dialkylamide ethers, ethylene glycol ethers, aliphatic ethers, and cyclic ethers. For example, ether solvents can be methyl 5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5-oxovalerate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, or dibutyl ether.

[0052] In this invention, the composition may further contain water.

[0053] The compositions of the present invention may further comprise one or more formulation additives well known in the art. In particular, the formulation additives may be selected from antifreeze agents, defoamers, antibacterial agents (or biocides), viscosity modifiers (or thickeners), pH adjusters, and any mixtures thereof.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention may further comprise at least one silicone compound as an antifoaming agent. Examples of silicone compounds may be polydimethylsiloxane.

[0055] Other suitable formulation additives include antioxidants, emulsifiers, colorants (or pigments), fragrances, auxiliaries, attractants, binders, buffers, solid supports (carriers), coating agents, deodorants, emetics, inorganic fillers, safeners, organic solvents, photoprotectants, and any mixtures thereof, other than those known to those skilled in the art.

[0056] In a particular embodiment, when active ingredient A is prepared to form a formulation as referenced above, and more particularly a suspension concentrate or a flowable suspension, the formulation may comprise:

[0057] - 0.01% to 50.0% of active ingredient A by weight, and preferably 0.1% to 40.0% of active ingredient A by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

[0058] - A polyoxyethylene copolymer, preferably from 0.0005% to 50.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the formulation, and more preferably from 0.002% to 25.0% by weight.

[0059] - An acrylic acid graft copolymer, preferably comprising 0.0005% to 20.0% by weight of the acrylic acid graft polymer relative to the total weight of the formulation, and more preferably 0.001% to 10.0% by weight of the acrylic acid graft polymer.

[0060] - An oxygen-containing hydrocarbon compound, preferably 0.0001% to 10.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the formulation, and more preferably 0.001% to 5.0% by weight, and

[0061] - Optional water source.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, when active ingredient A is prepared to form a formulation (e.g., a dispersible concentrate) as referenced above, the formulation may comprise:

[0063] (a) 0.01% to 70.0% by weight of active ingredient A, and preferably 0.1% to 50.0% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

[0064] (b) A lignin compound, preferably from 0.01% to 30.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the formulation, and more preferably from 0.1% to 20.0% by weight.

[0065] (c) Optionally, an acrylic graft copolymer, preferably from 0.01% to 30.0% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1% to 20.0% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

[0066] (d) Optionally, a lactamide compound, preferably 10.0% to 90.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and preferably 20% to 80% by weight, and

[0067] (e) Optionally, an ether solvent, preferably 1.0% to 70.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and more preferably 1.0% to 60.0% by weight.

[0068] In the specific embodiments described herein, active ingredient A, polyoxyethylene copolymer, acrylic acid graft copolymer, oxygen-containing hydrocarbon, lignin compound, lactamide compound, and ether solvent are all compounds described in this invention.

[0069] The active ingredient B according to the present invention can be used to prepare suspension concentrates or flowable suspensions using ingredients and techniques well known in the art, such as those described in document WO 2006002984. The suspension concentrate containing active ingredient B can be PIRATE, a commercially available product of BASF.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, according to the present invention, the pest-killing composition may be a mixture of active ingredient A and active ingredient B, and more particularly a mixture of the following:

[0071] - Formulations containing active ingredient A, such as suspension concentrates, flowable suspensions, emulsions, suspension concentrate-capsule suspension blends, water-soluble granules, water-dispersible granules, water-dispersible tablets, dispersible concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates, or oil dispersions, and preferably suspension concentrates; and

[0072] - A formulation containing active ingredient B, such as a suspension concentrate or a flowable suspension, and preferably a suspension concentrate.

[0073] The mixture can be diluted with water in a barrel mixer.

[0074] Formulations containing active ingredient A and formulations containing active ingredient B can be added to the farmer's water spray canister, or once mixed, they can be applied directly without further dilution.

[0075] In another embodiment, active ingredient A and active ingredient B may be applied in any desired order or simultaneously.

[0076] In another embodiment, the formulation containing active ingredient A and the formulation containing active ingredient B may be administered in any desired order or simultaneously.

[0077] The pest-killing composition of the present invention may further comprise additional agrochemicals, or in other words, third agrochemicals. These additional agrochemicals may be insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, synergists, plant growth regulators, nematicides, phytonutrients, plant fertilizers, biological agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise additional insecticides selected from the following: abamectin, bifenthrin, brofenoxam, chlorantraniliprole, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, emamectin benzoate, acetamiprid, fluoxazolamide, γ-trifluorocypermethrin, λ-trifluorocypermethrin, lufenuron, methoxyfenozide, pymetrozine, spinosad, spinosad, flupyradifurone, heptafluthrin, thiamethoxam, and any mixture thereof.

[0079] In another specific embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise a biological agent selected from species of the genus *Bacillus*. Species of *Bacillus* are bacteria with insecticidal and / or nematode-killing activity, and may include, for example, *Bacillus firmus*, *Bacillus cereus*, *Bacillus subtilis*, or *Bacillus thuringiensis*. The most preferred species of *Bacillus* is *Bacillus thuringiensis*, and more particularly, *Bacillus thuringiensis* var. *kurstaki* or *Bacillus thuringiensis* var. *tenebrionis*.

[0080] The weight ratio of isoxazoline to other insecticides can be from 1:100 to 100:1, preferably from 1:20 to 20:1, preferably from 1:10 to 10:1, preferably from 1:1 to 1:10, preferably from 1:1 to 1:6, and more preferably from 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 or 1:5.

[0081] The weight ratio of isoxazolidin to biological agent can be from 1:2000 to 1:2, preferably from 1:1000 to 1:100, preferably from 1:400 to 1:10, and more preferably from 1:200 to 1:100.

[0082] The compositions of the present invention may contain suitable amounts of one or more of the above-mentioned components to obtain the corresponding properties where appropriate.

[0083] According to the present invention, the harmful organisms are selected from the family Noctuidae (from the order Lepidoptera). More preferably, the family Noctuidae can be selected from:

[0084] - The genus Autographa, such as the golden arc moth (Autographa gamma).

[0085] - Chrysodeixis, for example, the soybean cutworm (Chrysodeixis includens);

[0086] - The genus Diatraea, such as the small sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis);

[0087] - The genus Helicoverpa, such as the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera).

[0088] - Genus Spodoptera, such as fall armyworm, subtropical armyworm (Spodoptera eridania), spotted armyworm (Spodoptera cosmioides), gray striped armyworm (Spodoptera albula), sea gray armyworm (Spodopteralittoralis), and beet armyworm (Spodoptera littura).

[0089] - Genus *Rachiplusia*, such as *Rachiplusia nu*; and

[0090] - Genus Trichoplusia, such as Trichoplusia ni.

[0091] The preferred genus within the Noctuidae family is the genus *Ophiopogon*. The most preferred pest according to the present invention is *Ophiopogon spp.*

[0092] The invention may also consider other pests, such as species from other families of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Acarida, or Blattodea.

[0093] Other families of Lepidoptera can be selected from Lyonetiidae, such as the coffee leafminer (Perileucoptera coffeella); and Gelechiidae, such as the tomato leafminer (Tutaabsoluta).

[0094] Coleoptera can be selected from Chrysomelidae (e.g., species of the genera *Diabroticasp.*, *Leptinotarsa* sp., *Phyllotreta* sp., and *Chaetocnema* sp.), Scarabidae (e.g., species of the genera *Phyllophaga* sp., *Cyclocephala* sp., and *Popiliasp.*), Curculionidae (e.g., species of the genera *Anthonomus* sp., *Sphenopherus* sp., *Otiorhynchus* sp., and *Hypothenemushampei*), and Nidulidae (e.g., species of the genera *Meligethes* sp.).

[0095] Diptera can be selected from the family Agromyzidae, such as the South American serpentine leafminer (Liriomyzahuidobrensis).

[0096] Hemiptera (suborder Heteroptera) can be selected from Pentatomidae, such as the green-bellied bug (Dichelops melacanthus) and the brown bug (Euschistus heros); or from Cicadellidae, such as the corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis) and the corn lanternfly (Peregrinus maidis).

[0097] Thrips or thrips can be selected from the family Thripidae, such as the comb-shaped thrips (Frankliniellaschultzei) and the bean thrips (Caliothrips phaseoli).

[0098] Mites can come from the family Tetranychidae, such as the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae).

[0099] Blattodea (Isoptera) or termites can be selected from the family Rhinotermitidae, such as species of the genus Heterotermes sp.

[0100] The compositions according to the invention can be used to combat and / or control (i.e., suppress or destroy) pests of the types described above, which are particularly found on plants, especially useful and ornamental plants in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, or on the organs of such plants (fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, tubers, or roots), and in some cases, even plant organs formed at later points in time remain protected against these pests. The compositions can also be used to combat and / or control (i.e., suppress or destroy) pests of the types described above, which are particularly found in soil and / or on plant propagation material.

[0101] As used in this specification, the term "plant" includes seedlings, shrubs, and trees. In particular, suitable target crops are cereals such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, corn (e.g., field corn, popcorn, maize), millet, or sorghum; sugar beets such as sugar beets or forage beets; fruits such as pome, stone fruits, or seedless small fruits such as apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, cherries, or berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries; legumes such as beans, lentils, peas, or soybeans; and oilseed crops such as rapeseed, mustard, poppies, olives, sunflowers, etc. Coconut, castor bean, cocoa bean, or peanut; melons, such as pumpkin, cucumber, cantaloupe, watermelon, or small squash; fiber plants, such as cotton, flax, hemp, or jute; citrus fruits, such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, or tangerine; vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, onion, tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper, or bell pepper; Lauraceae, such as avocado, cinnamon, or camphor; and also tobacco, nuts, coffee, sugarcane, tea, grapevines, hops, eucalyptus, plantain, and latex plants.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the plant may be selected from:

[0103] - Cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, corn (e.g., field corn, popcorn, maize), millet, or sorghum; and more preferably field rice, corn (e.g., field corn, popcorn, maize), millet, or sorghum;

[0104] - Leguminous crops, such as common beans, dried beans, lentils, peas, or soybeans; and more preferably soybeans.

[0105] - Fiber plants, such as cotton, flax, hemp, or jute; and more preferably cotton;

[0106] - Eucalyptus; and

[0107] - sugar cane.

[0108] In another preferred embodiment, transgenic plants and plant cultivars obtained by genetic engineering methods (in combination with conventional methods (genetically modified organisms) if appropriate) and portions thereof can be treated with the pest-killing composition of the present invention. Particularly preferred are these commercially available or in-use plant cultivars treated according to the present invention. Plant cultivars are understood to mean plants with novel characteristics (“traits”) obtained through conventional breeding, mutagenesis, or recombinant DNA technology. These can be cultivars, biotypes, or genotypes.

[0109] Genetically modified crops can be described at https: / / www.isaaa.org / gmapprovaldatabase, which will be incorporated there by reference.

[0110] For example, when considering soybeans, genetically modified crops can be selected from:

[0111]

[0112] For example, when considering corn, genetically modified crops can be selected from:

[0113]

[0114] For example, when considering cotton, genetically modified crops can be selected from:

[0115]

[0116] In this invention, as used herein, the term "site" means a field in which or on which plants grow, or a field in which seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or a field in which seeds are to be placed in soil. It includes soil, seeds, and seedlings, together with established vegetation.

[0117] In this invention, the term "plant propagation material" should be understood to refer to all reproductive parts of a plant, such as seeds, which can be used for the propagation of the latter, including plant materials such as cuttings. Seeds (in the strict sense), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, and parts of the plant can be mentioned as plant propagation material. The plant propagation material can be treated with the composition of this invention before sowing or planting. Alternatively, the plant propagation material can be treated with the composition of this invention during sowing or planting. Furthermore, the composition of this invention can be applied to previously treated propagation material before or during planting. The composition of this invention can be applied during seed sowing. The composition can also be used for plant propagation material derived from plants grown in greenhouses and / or during transplanting.

[0118] More preferably, the plant propagation material is plant seeds. Seed treatment can occur on unsown seeds for the purpose of plant germination and growth, and the term "unsown seeds" means seeds at any time between seed harvesting and sowing in the land. Treatment of unsown seeds is not intended to include practices in which the composition is applied to the soil but includes any application practice that targets the seeds during the sowing / planting process. The treated plant propagation material of the present invention can be treated in the same manner as conventional plant propagation material. The treated plant propagation material can be stored, treated, sown, and cultivated in the same manner as any other material treated with a pesticide.

[0119] In certain embodiments, the pest control composition according to the invention can be applied by spraying (e.g., dispensing from a spray container for foliar application) to pests, pest sites, or plants susceptible to pest infestation.

[0120] The method may involve applying an effective amount of a pest-killing composition at the following ratio:

[0121] - 1 g to 100 g of active ingredient A per hectare, preferably 1 g to 80 g of active ingredient A per hectare, more preferably 10 g to 50 g of active ingredient A per hectare, and even more preferably 16 g, 24 g, 30 g, 36 g, 40 g or 64 g of active ingredient A per hectare; and

[0122] - 1 g to 600 g of active ingredient B per hectare, preferably 10 g to 400 g of active ingredient B per hectare, more preferably 100 g to 200 g of active ingredient B per hectare, and even more preferably 120 g, 150 g, 180 g, 200 g or 320 g of active ingredient B per hectare.

[0123] More specifically, the weight ratio of active ingredient A is lower than that of active ingredient B, preferably at most one-half the weight ratio of active ingredient B, and more preferably at most one-fifth the weight ratio of active ingredient B. This weight ratio can be advantageously used for foliar application.

[0124] The above-mentioned effective amount of the pest-killing composition (containing active ingredients A and B) can also be applied to other pests as described in this invention, and more preferably to green-bellied bugs and / or brown bugs.

[0125] In another purpose, the pest-killing compositions as defined in this invention can be used to combat and / or control pests from the family Noctuidae, preferably selected from the genus *Ophiocorhynchus*, such as more preferably *Ophiocorhynchus terrestrialus* or *Fall armyworm*.

[0126] The pest control composition according to the invention achieves a high degree of pest control, particularly within a very short time (e.g., at least three days after application). Example

[0127] The following non-limiting examples demonstrate the improved behavior associated with the method according to the invention.

[0128] Synergistic effects exist as long as the combined effect of the active ingredients is greater than the sum of the effects of the individual components. For a given combination of active ingredients, the expected effect E follows the so-called Colby formula and can be calculated as follows (COLBY, SR, "Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combination," Weeds, Vol. 15, pp. 20-22; 1967):

[0129] ppm = milligrams of active ingredient (= ai) per liter of spray mixture

[0130] X = % of the active ingredient (A) measured in p ppm.

[0131] Y = Effect of active ingredient (B) in q ppm.

[0132] According to COLBY, using p + q ppm of active ingredients, the expected effect of the (additive) active ingredient (A) + (B) is...

[0133]

[0134] If the observed effect (O) is greater than the expected effect (E), then the combined effect is super-additive, i.e., a synergistic effect exists. Mathematically, a synergistic effect corresponds to a positive value of the difference (OE). In the case of perfectly complementary superposition of activities (expected activity), the difference (OE) is zero. A negative value of the difference (OE) indicates a loss of activity compared to the expected activity.

[0135] The following details the products used in the following examples:

[0136] - Isoxazolidinamide: SC400 formulation (a suspension concentrate of 400 g of active ingredient per liter) containing isoxazolidinamide as the active ingredient, commercialized by Syngenta under the name SPONTA SC400; and

[0137] - Bromnifenac: SC240 formulation (240 g of active ingredient suspension concentrate per liter) containing bromnifenac as the active ingredient, which is commercialized by BASF under the name PIRATE SC240.

[0138] Experimental instructions

[0139] Example 1 (Species of the genus *Greywing noctuid*)

[0140] Each of the following products was diluted by adding 500 liters of water per hectare: SPONTA SC400 (Example 1), PIRATE SC240 (Example 2), and a pest control composition containing SPONTA SC400 and PIRATE SC240 (Example 3).

[0141] The dosage rates used for SPONTA SC400 and PIRATE SC240 are expressed in grams of active ingredient per hectare and are collected in Table 1 below.

[0142] Soybean plants were applied to pots (8 plants per pot, 5 pots per treatment) using a rotary applicator (500 l / ha) with the following parameters: pressure: 2 bar; spray volume: 25 ml. After drying, 10 soybean plants were cut and placed in petri dishes (14.5 cm in diameter). Each treatment was replicated in triplicate. The plants were infested with 10 second-instar larvae of the sea tadpole moth. Mortality was assessed at three and five days post-application (DAA). Results are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0143]

[0144] Table 1

[0145] The active ingredient tested according to the present invention (based on a mixture of isoxazoline and bromoxynil) surprisingly ensures a high degree of control over pests of the genus *Gnaphalium*, especially *Gnaphalium spp.*

Claims

1. A method for combating and / or controlling pests selected from the Noctuidae family, the method comprising applying a pest-killing composition to the pest, the site of the pest, a plant susceptible to the pest, or plant propagation material susceptible to the pest, the pest-killing composition comprising isoxazolidinamide as active ingredient A and bromfenac as active ingredient B.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that... The harmful organisms were selected from the genus *Ophiopogon*.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The pest in question is the sea gray-winged noctuid moth.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The weight ratio of active ingredient A to active ingredient B ranges from 1:1 to 1:100, preferably from 1:1 to 1:50, more preferably from 1:1 to 1:30, and even more preferably from 1:1 to 1:

20.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The effective amount of the pest-killing composition is applied at the following ratio: 1 g to 100 g of active ingredient A per hectare, preferably 1 g to 80 g of active ingredient A per hectare, and more preferably 10 g to 50 g of active ingredient A per hectare.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The effective amount of the pest-killing composition is applied at the following ratio: 1 g to 600 g of the active ingredient B per hectare, preferably 10 g to 400 g of the active ingredient B per hectare, and more preferably 100 g to 200 g of the active ingredient B per hectare.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The active ingredient A is used to prepare suspension concentrates, flowable suspensions, emulsions, suspension concentrate-capsule suspension blends, water-soluble granules, water-dispersible granules, water-dispersible tablets, dispersible concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates, or oil dispersions.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The active ingredient B is used to prepare suspension concentrates or flowable suspensions.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The pest-killing composition further comprises at least one component selected from polyoxyethylene copolymers, acrylic acid graft copolymers, oxygenated hydrocarbons, lignin compounds, lactamide compounds, and ether solvents.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The active ingredients A and B are applied by mixing a formulation containing the active ingredient A and a formulation containing the active ingredient B.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The method involves applying the pesticide composition by spraying it.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The plants are selected from cereals, legumes, fiber plants, and sugarcane.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The plants are selected from rice, corn, millet, sorghum, soybean, cotton, and sugarcane.

14. Use of the pest-killing composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 for combating and / or controlling pests from the Noctuidae family.

Images