Coated agrochemical granules

Abstract

An agrochemical granulate, comprising: an oil-non-absorbing carrier; and a layer that coats the oil-non-absorbing substrate, wherein the layer a synthetic pyrethroid compound an organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25°C is equal to or less than 1.0 Pa, an oil-absorbing carrier, a binding agent a nonionic surfactant and a dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Japanese patent application No. 2016-026627 (publication number JP 2017-145205 A), filed on February 16, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a coated agrochemical granulate comprising a synthetic pyrethroid compound. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0003] To date, a synthetic pyrethroid compound is known as an active ingredient for a pesticide. Likewise, a coated agrochemical granule is known in which an inactive carrier is coated with an agrochemical. As an example of the coated agrochemical granule, a granule is known that was obtained by coating an inactive carrier, which has a specific degree of hardness and an ability to absorb oil, with an agrochemical, such as a pesticide, using a binder and excipients (see patent document 1). LITERATURE LIST PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese patent publication no. JP S40-8920 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION (TASKS THAT THE INVENTION IS INTENDED TO SOLVE)

[0005] The inventors found that when the granules, obtained by coating an inactive carrier with a synthetic pyrethroid compound, are applied to soil for growing crops, the pest control effectiveness of the granules is not always sufficient.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a coated agrochemical granulate comprising a synthetic pyrethroid compound which exhibits excellent pest control efficacy. (MEMORY FOR SOLVING THE TASKS)

[0007] The inventors actively conducted investigations to find a coated agrochemical granule comprising a synthetic pyrethroid compound exhibiting excellent pest control efficacy, and as a result, they found that an agrochemical granule obtained by coating an oil-non-absorbent carrier with a powder produced by mixing a liquid containing a synthetic pyrethroid compound, an organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25 °C was equal to or less than 1.0 Pa, a non-ionic surfactant, and a dodecylbenzenesulfonate with an oil-absorbent carrier exhibits excellent pest control efficacy.

[0008] That is to say, the present invention is as follows.

[0009] [1] An agrochemical granulate comprising: an oil-non-absorbing carrier; and a layer that coats the oil-non-absorbing substrate, wherein the layer a synthetic pyrethroid compound an organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25 °C is equal to or less than 1.0 Pa, an oil-absorbing carrier, a binding agent a nonionic surfactant and a dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

[0010] [2] The agrochemical granules as defined in [1] wherein a weight ratio of the total amount of the synthetic pyrethroid compound, the organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25 °C is equal to or less than 1.0 Pa, the non-ionic surfactant and the dodecylbenzenesulfonate to the oil-absorbing carrier is within a range of 1:0.3 to 1:2.0.

[0011] [3] The agrochemical granules as defined in [1] wherein a weight ratio of the total amount of the synthetic pyrethroid compound, the organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25 °C is equal to or less than 1.0 Pa, the non-ionic surfactant and the dodecylbenzenesulfonate to the oil-absorbing carrier is within a range of 1:0.6 to 1:1.5.

[0012] [4] The agrochemical granules as defined in one of [1] to [3], wherein the oil-absorbing carrier is an inorganic carrier whose oil absorption capacity is equal to or greater than 100 mL / 100 g and equal to or less than 500 mL / 100 g.

[0013] [5] The agrochemical granules as defined in one of [1] to [4], wherein the oil-non-absorbing carrier is an inorganic carrier whose oil absorption rate is equal to or greater than 0.01 mL / 100 g and equal to or less than 20 mL / 100 g.

[0014] [6] The agrochemical granules according to one of [1] to [5], wherein the oil-absorbing carrier is a synthetic silicon dioxide.

[0015] [7] The agrochemical granules according to one of [1] to [6], wherein the oil-non-absorbing carrier is quartz sand.

[0016] The present invention can provide a coated agrochemical granulate comprising a synthetic pyrethroid compound that exhibits excellent pest control efficacy. MODE FOR PERFORMING THE INVENTION

[0017] A coated agrochemical granule of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granule") comprises a synthetic pyrethroid compound. Examples of the synthetic pyrethroid compound include fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, tefluthrin, permethrin, deltamethrin, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, and fenpropathrin. Of these, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, or fenpropathrin are preferably included, and more preferably, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, or fenpropathrin are included.

[0018] The content of the synthetic pyrethroid compound in the present granules is within a range of typically 0.1 to 10 wt.% and preferably 0.5 to 5 wt.%.

[0019] The granules comprise an organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25 °C is equal to or less than 1.0 Pa (hereinafter referred to as the "organic solvent"). Examples of the organic solvent include bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, diisobutyl adipate, triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate, isobutyl oleate, diethyl phthalate, didecyl phthalate, ditridecyl phthalate, diisotridecyl phthalate, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil. Of these, triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate, diisotridecyl phthalate, diisobutyl adipate, or cottonseed oil are preferably included. The content of the organic solvent in the granules is typically in the range of 0.1 to 20 wt.%, preferably 0.5 to 10 wt.%, and more preferably 1 to 5 wt.%.

[0020] The weight ratio of the synthetic pyrethroid compound to the organic solvent present in the granules present is within a range of typically 1:1 to 1:5 and preferably 1:1.3 to 1:3.

[0021] The present granules comprise a non-ionic surfactant. Examples of the non-ionic surfactant include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyethylene glycol tris(1-phenylethyl)phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenol ether formalin condensate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, higher fatty acid glycerol esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, and polyoxyethylene alkylamine. Of these, the non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value of 10 to 17 is preferably included, and the non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13 to 16 is more preferably included. The HLB value is defined as a value that indicates the degree of affinity of the surfactant for water and oil.These preferably include polyethylene glycol tris(1-phenylethyl)phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer or polyoxyethylene-castor oil.

[0022] The content of the non-ionic surfactant in the present granules is within a range of typically 0.1 to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt.% and more preferably 0.3 to 1.5 wt.%.

[0023] The granules in question comprise a dodecylbenzenesulfonate. The dodecylbenzenesulfonate may contain a branched chain. The content of the dodecylbenzenesulfonate in the granules is typically between 0.1 and 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 and 3 wt.%, and more preferably 0.3 and 1.5 wt.%.

[0024] The weight ratio of the non-ionic surfactant to the dodecylbenzenesulfonate in the present granules is within a range of typically 1:0.5 to 1:1.5 and preferably 1:0.8 to 1:1.2.

[0025] The granules in question comprise an oil-absorbing carrier. The term "oil-absorbing carrier," as used herein, means an inorganic carrier whose oil absorption rate, measured according to the following procedure, is equal to or greater than 100 mL / 100 g, and, for example, equal to or greater than 100 mL / 100 g and equal to or less than 500 mL / 100 g. (I) 2.5 g of a sample is placed into a cylindrical 30 mL polypropylene container. (II) One drop of linseed oil is dropped from a 10 mL burette onto the sample and mixed with the sample using a spatula to knead the linseed oil into the sample. No formation of an aggregate consisting of the linseed oil and the sample is confirmed. Linseed oil is a linseed oil whose density, measured with a glass pycnometer at 23 °C, lies within a range of 0.90 to 0.96 (g / mL). (III) The aforementioned step (II) is repeated and the time at which the aggregate consisting of the linseed oil and the sample is formed is determined to be the endpoint.

[0026] The amount of oil absorption is calculated according to the following equation (1). Oil absorption quantity (mL / 100g)=100V / 2.5 where V: The amount of linseed oil required to reach the endpoint (mL)

[0027] In the present invention, an oil-absorbing carrier is typically used with a particle size distribution in which the content of particles with a size of 250 µm or more is 1% or less. The “particle size distribution of the oil-absorbing carrier,” as used herein, means a particle size distribution measured using a sieving method, and “with a particle size distribution in which the content of particles with a size of 250 µm or more is 1% or less,” as used herein, indicates that the weight ratio of the residual quantity on a sieve with a mesh size of 250 µm relative to the total quantity is 1% or less.The particle size distribution of the oil-absorbing carrier can be obtained by placing 10 g of the oil-absorbing carrier on a sieve with a mesh size of 250 µm (a test sieve defined by Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) Z8801-1, with a frame 200 mm in diameter and 45 mm deep), sieving the oil-absorbing carrier for 10 minutes using a sieving apparatus such as a RO-TAP vibrator, then weighing the weight of the oil-absorbing carrier remaining on the sieve and calculating the particle size distribution using the following equation (2). Residual amount on the sieve (%) = Weight of the oil-absorbing carrier remaining on the sieve (g) / Weight of the oil-absorbing carrier initially placed on the sieve (g) × 100

[0028] Examples of oil-absorbing supports include carbon black (with an oil absorption capacity of 110 to 160 mL / 100 g) and synthetic silicon dioxide. Examples of synthetic silicon dioxide include wet-process silicon dioxide (with an oil absorption capacity of 210 to 300 mL / 100 g) and dry-process silicon dioxide (with an oil absorption capacity of 130 to 190 mL / 100 g). Any commercially available oil-absorbing support can be used. Examples of commercially available oil-absorbing supports include SIPERNAT 22S (wet-process silicon dioxide, manufactured by Evonik Industries AG) and AEROSIL R972 (dry-process silicon dioxide, manufactured by Evonik Industries AG).

[0029] The content of the oil-absorbing carrier in the present granules is within a range of typically 1 to 10 wt.% and preferably 2 to 6 wt.%.

[0030] The weight ratio of the organic solvent to the oil-absorbing carrier in the granules is within a range of typically 1:0.5 to 1:8 and preferably 1:0.8 to 1:4.

[0031] The weight ratio of the total amount of the synthetic pyrethroid compound, the organic solvent present, the non-ionic surfactant and the dodecylbenzenesulfonate to the oil-absorbing support is within a range of typically 1:0.3 to 1:2.0 and preferably 1:0.6 to 1:1.5.

[0032] The granules in question comprise an oil-non-absorbing carrier. The term "oil-non-absorbing carrier" as used herein means an inorganic carrier whose oil absorption rate, as measured according to the preceding procedure, is equal to or less than 20 mL / 100 g and, for example, equal to or greater than 0.01 mL / 100 g and equal to or less than 20 mL / 100 g.

[0033] In the present invention, an oil-non-absorbing carrier is typically used, having a particle size distribution in which the proportion of particles with a size of 250 µm or greater is 80% or greater. The “particle size distribution of the oil-non-absorbing carrier,” as used herein, means a particle size distribution measured using a sieving method, and “with a particle size distribution in which the proportion of particles with a size of 250 µm or greater is 80% or greater,” as used herein, indicates that the weight ratio of the residual quantity on a sieve with a mesh size of 250 µm relative to the total quantity is 80% or greater. The particle size distribution of the oil-non-absorbing carrier can be calculated according to the measurement method for the particle size distribution of the oil-absorbing carrier.

[0034] Examples of the oil-non-absorbing carrier include quartz sand (with an oil absorption capacity of 0.1 to 0.9 mL / 100 g), calcium sulfate dihydrate (with an oil absorption capacity of 10 to 18 mL / 100 g), and zeolite (trade name: Izukalit, manufactured by Neolite Kosan Co., Ltd., with an oil absorption capacity of 10 to 15 mL / 100 g). Of these, quartz sand is preferably included. The content of the oil-non-absorbing carrier in the granules is typically between 50 and 99 wt.%, preferably 70 to 97 wt.%, and more preferably 80 to 95 wt.%.

[0035] The granules in question contain a binder. Examples of the binder include gum arabic, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, methylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium polyacrylate, tragacanth gum, polyvinylpyrrolidone, α-starch, polyvinyl alcohol, alginic acid, and sodium alginate.

[0036] The binder content in the present granules is typically between 0.1 and 6 wt.% and preferably between 0.2 and 3 wt.%.

[0037] The granules in question may contain a colorant. Examples of colorants include a pigment and a dye. Of these, the pigment is preferably included. Examples of pigments include MONAZOL RED CB EN PASTE (a red pigment manufactured by BRENNTAG Quimica, SAU).

[0038] If the present granules contain the colouring agent, the content thereof in the present granules is within a range of typically 0 to 3 wt.% and preferably 0.1 to 1 wt.%.

[0039] A manufacturing process for the present granules (hereinafter referred to as the "present manufacturing process") is described. The present manufacturing process comprises a step of mixing the synthetic pyrethroid compound, the present organic solvent, the nonionic surfactant, and the dodecylbenzenesulfonate to produce a solution (hereinafter referred to as "step A"), a step of mixing the solution produced in step A with the oil-absorbing support to produce a powder (hereinafter referred to as "step B"), and a step of coating the oil-non-absorbing support with the powder produced in step B (hereinafter referred to as "step C").In step A, the organic solvent, the nonionic surfactant, the dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and the synthetic pyrethroid compound, which is heated to melting if necessary, are mixed. These components are mixed until a homogeneous mixture is formed to obtain a uniform solution. The mixing step in step A is carried out using a stirrer. Examples of stirrers include a homogenizer, a propeller stirrer, and the like. If the synthetic pyrethroid compound is heated to melting, the solution is cooled to room temperature.

[0040] In step B, the homogeneous solution prepared in step A and the oil-absorbing carrier are mixed. These components are blended and, if necessary, dry-milled to obtain a powder. The mixing step in step B is performed using a mixing machine. Examples of mixing machines include a belt mixer, a Henschel mixer, a Nauta mixer, a Lödige mixer, and the like. If dry-milling is performed, it is carried out using a milling machine. Examples of milling machines include a roller mill, a hammer mill, a disc mill, a pin mill, and the like.

[0041] In step C, the powder produced in step B, the oil-non-absorbent carrier, and the binder are mixed, or the powder obtained in step B and the oil-non-absorbent carrier are mixed while an aqueous solution of the binder is sprayed onto the mixtures. The aqueous solution of the binder may include the colorant. These components can be mixed to coat the oil-non-absorbent carrier with the powder obtained in step B. The mixing operation in step C is carried out using a mixing machine. Examples of mixing machines include the same mixing machines as those used in step B.

[0042] After completing step C, a drying and classification step is performed on the coated granules obtained in step C (hereinafter referred to as "step D"). The drying operation in step D is carried out using a dryer. Examples of dryers include a hot air dryer, a fluidized bed dryer, a drum dryer, and the like. The drying temperature is typically within a range of 30 to 120 °C, and preferably 50 to 90 °C.

[0043] Pests against which this granulate has demonstrated its control efficacy can be controlled using this granulate. Examples of pests include the following. Lepidoptera pests: Agrotis ipsilon and Agrotis segetum; Diptera pests: Root flies (Anthomyiidae spp.), such as Delia platura and Delia antiqua; Coleoptera pests: Corn rootworms (Diabrotica spp.), such as the Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) and the Southern Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi)), Scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae spp.), such as Anomala cuprea, Anomala albopilosa, Anomala rufocuprea and Popillia japonica, Weevils (Curculionidae spp.), such as Sphenophorus uniformis, click beetles (Agriotes spp.).

[0044] Examples of crops to which this granulate is applicable are as follows.Field crops such as maize, rice, wheat, barley, rye, oats, sorghum, cotton, soybeans, peanuts, buckwheat, beet, rapeseed, sunflower, sugar cane and tobacco; Vegetables such as nightshade vegetables, including aubergine, tomato, allspice, pepper and potato; squash vegetables, including cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon, melon and garden squash; cruciferous vegetables, including winter radish, white turnip, horseradish, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, brown mustard, broccoli and cauliflower; aster vegetables, including burdock, crown daisy, artichoke and lettuce; lily-like vegetables, including spring onion, onion, garlic and asparagus; umbelliferous vegetables, including carrot, parsley, celery and parsnip; amaranth vegetables, including spinach and chard; mint vegetables, including perilla frutescens, mint and basil; strawberry, sweet potato, Dioscorea japonica and Colocasia; Flowers; foliage plants; lawn grasses;

[0045] Fruits, such as pome fruits, including apple, pear, nashi pear, Chinese quince and quince; fleshy stone fruits, including peach, damson, nectarine, Prunus mume, cherry, apricot and plum; citrus fruits, including Citrus unshiu, orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit; nuts, including chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews and macadamia nuts; berries, including blueberry, cranberry, blackberry and raspberry; grapes, persimmon, olive, loquat, banana, coffee, date palm and coconuts; and Trees other than fruit-bearing trees, such as tea, mulberry, flowering plants and roadside trees, including ash, birch, dogwood, eucalyptus, ginkgo biloba, Spanish lilac, maple, quercus, poplar, Judas tree, liquidambar formosana, plane tree, zelkova, thuja, fir, hemlock, juniper, pinus, picea and taxus cuspidate.

[0046] The method for controlling pests using the present granules (hereinafter referred to as the "present control method") comprises a step of applying an effective quantity of the present granules to soil where a crop is cultivated (hereinafter referred to as "Step I"). Examples of application methods in Step I include in-furrow application, beside-the-row application, and pricking-in-hole treatment (incorporation into the soil), and the like.

[0047] The application rate of the granules used in step I can be varied depending on the type of crop, the growing conditions, the time of application, weather conditions, and the like, and is typically between 5 and 5,000 g, and preferably between 10 and 2,000 g, per hectare of soil where the crop is to be grown. This control method can control pests that damage the crop.

[0048] Crops can be grown in good condition using the present granules. The method for growing a crop using the present granules (hereinafter referred to as the "present cultivation method") comprises Step I and can be carried out in a similar manner to the present containment method. The present cultivation method includes an embodiment comprising a step of sowing or planting a crop (hereinafter referred to as "Step II"). Preferably, Step I is carried out simultaneously with Step II. Examples of the sowing and planting methods for a crop include those carried out using a seed drill and a planter. After sowing or planting a crop, the crop is cultivated according to the usual cultivation method. EXAMPLES

[0049] The present invention is described in more detail below by means of examples, but the present invention should not be limited thereto.

[0050] First, manufacturing examples and comparative manufacturing examples are described. Unless otherwise stated, the following components were used in the formulations and apparatus in the manufacturing examples and the comparative manufacturing examples. Esfenvalerat: SS form content: 85.0%, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. Bifenthrin Purity: 98.0% or higher, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries Ltd. Deltamethrin: Purity: 98.0% or higher, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries Ltd. Fenpropath: Purity: 93.2% or higher, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. Proviplast 2624: Acetyltributyl citrate (manufactured by Proviron Industries, vapor pressure at 25 °C: 0.006 Pa) LINPLAST 13XP: Diisotridecyl phthalate (manufactured by SASOL Germany GmbH, vapor pressure at 25 °C: 0.001 Pa) Triethyl citrate: Manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries Ltd., vapor pressure at 25 °C: 0.25 Pa Solvesso 200: Aromatic hydrocarbons, each mainly containing 10 to 14 carbon atoms (produced by ExxonMobil Chemical, vapor pressure at 25 °C: 5.0 Pa) Vinycizer 40: Diisobutyl adipate (manufactured by KAO Corporation, vapor pressure at 25 °C: 0.075 Pa) cottonseed oil Manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries Ltd., vapor pressure at 25 °C: less than 1.0 Pa Emulsogen TS290: Polyethylene glycol-2,4,6-tris(1-phenylethyl)phenyl ether (manufactured by Clariant) Calsogen 4814: Linear calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (manufactured by Clariant) Genapol PF40: Polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer (manufactured by Clariant) Alkamuls 14R: Polyoxyethylene castor oil (manufactured by Solvay) SIPERNAT 22S: Wet process silicon dioxide (manufactured by Evonik Industries AG) SUPRAGIL WP: Diisopropylnaphthalenesulfonate (manufactured by Solvay Nicca) Caolin B-10: Clay (manufactured by INDUSTRIAS FINOR, SL) MOWIOL 4-88: Polyvinyl alcohol (manufactured by KURARAY AMERICA, INC.) MONAZOL RED Quimica, SAU) CB EN PASTE: A red pigment (manufactured by BRENNTAG) SABBIA P30: Quartz sand (produced by SIBELCO ITALIA SPA) Nauta mixer: LV-1, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation Production example 1

[0051] One point one eight (1.18) parts by weight of esfenvalerate were heated to 60 °C to melt, and 1.88 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624, 0.47 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290, and 0.47 parts by weight of Calsogen 4814 were then added. The components were mixed until a homogeneous mixture was formed, and the homogeneous mixture was cooled to room temperature to produce “solution A”.

[0052] Four point zero zero (4.00) parts by weight of solution A were added to 3.20 parts by weight of SIPERNAT 22S and the components were mixed in a mortar for 5 minutes to produce a “powder A-1”.

[0053] Zero point zero seven (0.07) parts by weight of SUPRAGIL WP and 0.13 parts by weight of Caolin B-10 were added to 7.20 parts by weight of powder A-1 and the ingredients were mixed for 1 minute using a juice mixer to produce a “powder A-2”.

[0054] A mixture of 11.5 parts by weight of MOWIOL 4-88 and 83.0 parts by weight of demineralized water was heated to 80 °C and stirred while maintaining the temperature to dissolve the MOWIOL 4-88 in the water, and the resulting solution was cooled to room temperature. 5.50 parts by weight of MONAZOR RED CD EN PASTE were added to the resulting aqueous solution of MOWIOL 4-88, and the components were mixed until a uniform solution was obtained to produce an “aqueous binder solution A”.

[0055] Two point four seven (2.47) parts by weight of aqueous binder solution A were added to 87.66 parts by weight of SABBIA P30 while mixing with a Nauta mixer. The mixing step was continued, and 7.40 parts by weight of powder A-2 were added portionwise to the mixture of SABBIA P30 and aqueous binder solution A to cause powder A-2 to bond to the surface of SABBIA P30. 2.47 parts by weight of aqueous binder solution A were then added to the resulting mixture and mixed to obtain a coated granulate. The coated granulate was dried to obtain the granulate (1) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granulate (1)"). Production example 2

[0056] The granules (2) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (2)") were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those of manufacturing example 1, except that 1.02 parts by weight of bifenthrin were used instead of 1.18 parts by weight of esfenvalerate, 1.98 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624 were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight thereof, 0.50 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290 were used instead of 0.47 parts by weight thereof, and 0.50 parts by weight of Calsogen 4814 were used instead of 0.47 parts by weight thereof. Production example 3

[0057] The granules (3) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (3)") were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those of manufacturing example 1, except that 1.02 parts by weight of deltamethrin were used instead of 1.18 parts by weight of esfenvalerate, 1.98 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624 were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight thereof, 0.50 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290 were used instead of 0.47 parts by weight thereof, and 0.50 parts by weight of Calsogen 4814 were used instead of 0.47 parts by weight thereof. Production example 4

[0058] The granules (4) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (4)") were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those of manufacturing example 1, except that 1.88 parts by weight of LINPLAST 13XP were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624. Production example 5

[0059] The granules (5) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (5)") were obtained by carrying out the same steps as those of Production Example 1, except that 1.88 parts by weight of triethyl citrate were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624. Production example 6

[0060] The granules (6) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (6)") were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those of manufacturing example 1, except that 0.47 parts by weight of Genapol PF40 were used instead of 0.47 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290. Production example 7

[0061] The granules (7) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (7)") were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those of Production Example 1, except that 0.47 parts by weight of Alkamuls 14R were used instead of 0.47 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290. Production example 8

[0062] The granules (8) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (8)") were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those of Production Example 1, except that 1.88 parts by weight of Vinycizer 40 were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624. Production example 9

[0063] The granules (9) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (9)") were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those of Production Example 1, except that 1.88 parts by weight of cottonseed oil were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624. Production example 10

[0064] One point zero zero (1.00) parts by weight of fenpropathrin were heated to 60 °C to melt, and 1.95 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624, 0.49 parts by weight of Genapol PF40, and 0.49 parts by weight of Calsogen 4814 were then added. The components were mixed until a homogeneous mixture was formed, and the homogeneous mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain a solution. The same subsequent steps as those in Preparation Example 1 were then carried out to obtain the granules (10) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (10)"). Production example 11

[0065] The granules (11) of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "present granules (11)") were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those of manufacturing example 10, except that 0.49 parts by weight of Alkamuls 14R were used instead of 0.49 parts by weight of Genapol PF40. Comparative manufacturing example 1

[0066] The comparison granulate (1) was obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those in Production Example 1, except that 2.35 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624 were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight thereof and 0.47 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290 were not used. Comparative manufacturing example 2

[0067] The comparison granules (2) were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those in Production Example 1, except that 0.94 parts by weight of Calsogen 4814 were used instead of 0.47 parts by weight thereof and 0.47 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290 were not used. Comparative manufacturing example 3

[0068] The comparison granulate (3) was obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those in Production Example 1, except that 2.35 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624 were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight thereof and 0.47 parts by weight of Calsogen 4814 were not used. Comparative manufacturing example 4

[0069] The comparison granules (4) were obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those in Production Example 1, except that 0.94 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290 were used instead of 0.47 parts by weight thereof and 0.47 parts by weight of Calsogen 4814 were not used. Comparative manufacturing example 5

[0070] The comparison granulate (5) was obtained by carrying out the same work steps as those in Production Example 1, except that 2.82 parts by weight of Proviplast were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight thereof and neither 0.47 parts by weight of Calsogen 4814 nor 0.47 parts by weight of Emulsogen TS290 were used. Comparative manufacturing example 6

[0071] The granulated comparative formulation (6) was obtained by carrying out the same steps as those in Production Example 1, except that 1.88 parts by weight of Solvesso 200 were used instead of 1.88 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624. Comparative manufacturing example 7

[0072] One part by weight of fenpropathrin was heated to 60 °C to melt, and 2.93 parts by weight of Proviplast 2624 were then added. The components were mixed until a homogeneous mixture was formed, and the homogeneous mixture was cooled to room temperature to obtain a solution. The same subsequent steps as those in Preparation Example 1 were then carried out to obtain the granulated reference formulation (7).

[0073] Next, test examples will be described. Test example 1

[0074] Soil was packed into a plastic container with a longitudinal length of 15 cm, a lateral length of 20 cm, and a depth of 7 cm. A furrow 15 cm long and 3 cm deep was formed in a V-shape perpendicular to the soil surface. One (1) kernel of corn seed was placed in the furrow, and the granules were applied to the interior of the furrow, resulting in an application rate of 120 g / ha of the synthetic pyrethroid compound per unit area of ​​soil in the container. The furrow was then closed by placing soil from one side of the furrow onto it. This corn was grown in a greenhouse.

[0075] Ten (10) days after application of the granules, 20 newly hatched larvae of the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) were released per corn plant. This was referred to as a "treated plot".

[0076] On the other side, maize was grown in a similar manner to that of the treated plot, except that the granules were not applied, and 20 newly hatched larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera were released. This was designated as the 'untreated plot'.

[0077] Ten (10) days after the release of the insects, the maize plants were collected and the insect damage caused by the newly hatched larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera on the nodal roots of the maize was visually inspected, and the ratio of the number of damaged nodal roots to the total number of nodal roots was calculated as a damage ratio according to the following equation (3). Damage ratio (%)=100×A / B where A: Number of damaged nodal roots B: Number of all nodal roots

[0078] The protection value was calculated according to the following equation (4) and an average protection value from 5 repetitions was then determined. Protection value (%) = 100 × (1 − C / D) where C: Damage ratio of the treated plot D: Damage ratio of the untreated plot

[0079] The results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1] Applied granules Protection value (%) Granules present (1) 89,9 Granules present (2) 60,0 Granules present (3) 76,4 Granules present (4) 74,3 Granules present (5) 85,4 Comparison granules (1) 28,0 Comparison granules (2) 37,6 Comparison granules (3) 9,0 Comparison granules (4) 11,5 Comparison granules (5) 10,1 Comparison granules (6) 31,1 Test example 2

[0080] Soil was packed into a plastic container with a longitudinal length of 15 cm, a lateral length of 20 cm, and a depth of 7 cm. A furrow 15 cm long and 3 cm deep was formed in a V-shape perpendicular to the soil surface. One (1) kernel of corn seed was placed in the furrow, and the granules were applied to the interior of the furrow, resulting in an application rate of 144 g / ha of the synthetic pyrethroid compound per unit area of ​​soil in the container. The furrow was then closed by placing soil from one side of the furrow onto it. This corn was grown in a greenhouse.

[0081] Twenty (20) days after application of the granules, 25 newly hatched larvae of the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) were released per corn plant. This was designated as a "treated plot".

[0082] On the other side, maize was grown in a similar manner to that of the treated plot, except that the granules were not applied, and 25 newly hatched larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera were released. This was designated as the 'untreated plot'.

[0083] Ten (10) days after the release of the insects, the maize plants were collected and the insect damage caused by the newly hatched larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera on the nodal roots of the maize was visually inspected, and the ratio of the number of damaged nodal roots to the total number of nodal roots was calculated as a damage ratio according to Eq. (3) described above in Test Example 1, and a mean protection value from 5 replicates was then determined according to Eq. (4) described above in Test Example 1.

[0084] The results are shown in Table 2. [Table 2] Applied granules Protection value (%) Granules present (1) 100 Granules present (6) 93,4 Granules present (7) 94,0 Granules present (8) 72,0 Granules present (9) 66,4 Granules present (10) 88,7 Granules present (11) 70,9 Comparison granules (5) 45,7 Comparison granules (7) 42,4

Claims

[1] An agrochemical granulate comprising: an oil-non-absorbent carrier; and a layer that coats the oil-non-absorbing substrate, wherein the layer a synthetic pyrethroid compound an organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25°C is equal to or less than 1.0 Pa, an oil-absorbing carrier, a binding agent a nonionic surfactant and includes a dodecylbenzenesulfonate. [2] The agrochemical granules according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of the synthetic pyrethroid compound, the organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25°C is equal to or less than 1.0 Pa, the non-ionic surfactant and the dodecylbenzenesulfonate to the oil-absorbing carrier is within a range of 1:0.3 to 1:2.

0. [3] The agrochemical granules according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of the synthetic pyrethroid compound, the organic solvent whose vapor pressure at 25°C is equal to or less than 1.0 Pa, the non-ionic surfactant and the dodecylbenzenesulfonate to the oil-absorbing carrier is within a range of 1:0.6 to 1:1.

5. [4] The agrochemical granules according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the oil-absorbing carrier is an inorganic carrier whose oil absorption rate is equal to or greater than 100 mL / 100 g and equal to or less than 500 mL / 100 g. [5] The agrochemical granules according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the oil-non-absorbing carrier is an inorganic carrier whose oil absorption rate is equal to or greater than 0.01 mL / 100 g and equal to or less than 20 mL / 100 g. [6] The agrochemical granules according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the oil-absorbing carrier is a synthetic silicon dioxide. [7] The agrochemical granules according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the oil-absorbing carrier is a quartz sand.