Agricultural composition comprising surfactant(s) and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant comprises a reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. Preferably, the surfactant comprises the reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group.

Description

Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION COMPRISING SURFACTANT(S) AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant that comprises a reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. Preferably, the surfactant comprises the reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A surfactant or surface acting agent is employed in agricultural formulations to promote or to improve the dispersing, emulsification, absorption, spreading, wetting, sticking, and penetrating properties of agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, bactericides, herbicides, insecticides, acaricides, weed killers, and plant growth regulators, thereby improving the effectiveness of the agricultural chemical. Surfactants are suitably selected by considering efficiency of spraying an agricultural chemical in use, safety thereof, or the like. Compositions comprising various anionic surfactants, basic compounds, and / or nonionic surfactants are known.

[0003] In the application of agricultural formulations, the ability to reduce water surface tension is critical since reduced surface tension generally corresponds to improved substrate wetting. Coatings, inks, adhesives, fountain solutions, cleaning compositions, and agricultural formulations are all examples of waterborne compositions. Surfactants are commonly used to reduce surface tension in water-based systems, resulting in improved surface coverage, fewer flaws, and more uniform dispersion. When the system is at rest, equilibrium surface tension performance is critical. The ability of a surfactant to reduce surface tension and provide wetting during high-speed application conditions, i.e., high surface formation rates, is measured by dynamic surface tension.

[0004] For spreading of an agrochemical, nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, polyoxyethylene alkyl (or aryl) ether or polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, and anionic surfactants, such as straight-chain alkylbenzene sulfonate, dialkylsulfosuccinate, lignin sulfonate, polynaphthyl sulfonate, linear or nonyl-phenol alcohols, fatty acids and high molecular weightDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT compounds such as polyacrylates are conventionally useful in a wide variety of agricultural composition, and their applications are known.

[0005] The nonionic surfactant for agricultural chemicals widely employed in the formulation of a liquid agricultural chemical or is commonly added to a liquid preparation of an agricultural chemical as a spreading agent for an agricultural chemical. As a result, such surfactant must have fundamental properties such as ability to disperse an oil-soluble agricultural chemical component; low foamability and defoamability for improving handling during pre-formulation in a tank and spraying, as well as preventing foaming in rivers or the like; ability to improve permeability of plant and other surfaces; and the ability to stabilize dispersions, preventing precipitation or separation of substances at the time of use, during storage at low temperature, or when the temperature is changed from low temperature to normal temperature.

[0006] Agrochemical surfactant compositions are widely used in agricultural fields with the intent of improving the wet spreading ability (wettability and extendibility) of agricultural chemicals. The agrochemical surfactant compositions used to obtain the wet spreading ability by lowering surface tension, wherein the composition comprises surfactant and auxiliary controlling agents such as emulsifying agent, dispersion agent, penetration agent, fixation agent, suspending agent and defoaming agent.

[0007] US Patent 7550542B2 discloses a synthetic polymer that has a water-soluble or water- swellable polymer backbone and terminal groups and / or intermediate groups of blocks of hydrophobes of alkyl- or aryl compounds containing a polymerizable cyclic monomer or a polymerizable double bond (or alkene) group or derivatives thereof. The blocks of hydrophobes are composed of two or more units of the same or different hydrophobes. These synthetic polymers are used as rheology modifiers, especially in latex paints.

[0008] US Patent 8388806B2 describes a hydrophobically modified polyethylene glycol for use in pitch and stickies control in pulp and papermaking processes.

[0009] PCT Application 202006554A1 provides a composition that include an oil, a surfactant, and optionally a charged polymer complex and methods of manufacturing the compositions. The composition may also include an aqueous phase to provide a microemulsion. The technology further provides methods of use of such compositions in home care and personal care.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0010] JP Patent 05659340B2 describes a surfactant obtained by reacting 1 mole of a polyoxyalkylene compound with 1-8 moles of an alkyl glycidyl ether having 6 to 21 carbon atoms.

[0011] JP Publication 2003253197A describes an antifouling agent that contains a cross-linked polymer formed by the ring-opening addition polymerization of an epoxy compound selected from the group consisting of monool glycidyl ethers and polyol glycidyl ethers with a hydroxylated compound selected from the group consisting of monools, polyols, and polyoxyalkylene compound formed by substituting a monool or a polyol with a polyoxyalkylene group.

[0012] JP Publication 2011088113A describes an emulsifier that contains a compound which is obtained by reaction of (a) glycidyl ethers with (b) water-soluble polyalkylene glycol having hydroxyl groups at both terminals of a molecular chain to form an adduct and then by reaction of the adduct with (c) organic diisocyanate.

[0013] US Publication 20080188673A1 describes low surface tension surfactants based on ether alcohol and provides for their use as surfactants in aqueous coating formulations, the surfactants being prepared by reacting at least one hydroxy compound.

[0014] CN Publication 112939898A describes a series of epoxy compounds wherein one end is an epoxy group capable of reacting with a polyester, alkyd resin, or acrylic resin; the other end is ether chain section. The disclosed epoxy compounds are useful for making castables and glass fiber reinforced plastics winding and in mold manufacturing, coatings, medical biomaterials.

[0015] There is a need for surfactant compositions exhibiting high surface activity, good pigment dispersion, good wetting, low equilibrium and dynamic surface tensions and low foaming, all of which would be widely accepted in the agricultural formulation industries. The complexity of the application medium into which the surfactant compositions will be blended is also rapidly increasing, creating significant new requirements for compatibility in the application process. This emerging area of performance is critical to customer satisfaction and commercial success with a product since poor compatibility in the final use mixture can cause blockage of sprayer screens and nozzles, preventing proper application of the product. While the demand on the agricultural chemical composition’s performance has been increasing, the number of auxiliary chemicals approved for use in agricultural compositions by the U.S. EPA has been decreasing due to more stringent standards for the toxicological and ecological properties of these material.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a surfactant composition for agricultural chemicals, which has excellent surface activity (e.g., solubilization ability, dispersibility, permeability, low foamability, and defoaming ability), excellent stability at low temperature, desirable biodegradability, and excellent safety in the environment (e.g., no phytotoxicity and fish toxicity).

[0017] The present invention also aims to provide a surfactant composition for agricultural chemicals that exhibits excellent chemical and physical stability, tank-mix compatibility properties that are highly desirable for commercial products in the agricultural chemicals industry and excellent stability. The spreading of an agricultural chemical using surfactant composition can improve the spreading ability (wettability and extendibility) and penetrability of the agricultural chemical. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention provides a surfactant comprising a reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. Preferably, the surfactant comprises the reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. The present invention also provides agricultural compositions for employing the surfactant.

[0019] A preferred surfactant comprises a reaction product set out in the scheme below: O (C (C11H2O)HH11H22O2)a O2 2 bnwherein a, b, and n are

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; (B) from about 1.0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

[0021] In an another aspect of the present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising (i) a reactionDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; (B) from about 1.0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

[0022] In yet another aspect of the invention, the present application provides an agricultural composition selected from the group consisting of an adjuvant composition, a fertilizer composition, a nutrient composition, a plant strengthener composition, a seed coating composition, a soil conditioner composition, a livestock composition, a granular composition, a controlled release composition, a film coating composition, a pesticide composition selected from the group of rodenticide, insecticide, miticide, algicide, molluscicide, acaricide, avicide, fungicide and herbicide compositions, a germicide composition, an antibiotic composition, an antibacterial composition, an antiviral composition, an antifungal composition, an antiprotozoal composition, an anti-parasite composition, a wood preservation composition, an antimicrobial composition or a yield enhancer composition to soil for the plant.

[0023] In yet another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a surfactant composition used as a wetting agent and in successfully applying aqueous agricultural chemicals effectively in promoting rapid uptake, rain fastness and stomatal infiltration, with no or minimal phytotoxicity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and steps or methodologies set forth in the following description. The disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is capable of other aspects or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined herein, technical terms used in connection with the disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those ofDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0026] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural forms unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context. The terms “comprising” and “comprised of” include the more restrictive meanings “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”

[0027] For purposes of the following detailed description, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, numbers that express, for example, quantities of ingredients used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". The numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained in carrying out the invention.

[0028] All percentages, parts, proportions, and ratios as used herein, are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include solvents or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified.

[0029] All publications, articles, papers, patents, patent publications, and other references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes to the extent consistent with the disclosure herein.

[0030] As used herein, the following terms have the meanings set out below.

[0031] The term “at least one” means one as well as any quantity more than one, including but not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, etc. The term “at least one” may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more depending on the term to which it is attached. In addition, the quantities of 100 / 1000 are not to be considered limiting as lower or higher limits.

[0032] The term “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0033] The term “hydrophilic” refers to substances having a tendency to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water. Hydrophilic substances have a strong affinity for water.

[0034] The term “hydrophobic” refers to substances having a tendency not to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water. Hydrophobic substances do not have a strong affinity for water and tend to repel or fail to mix with water.

[0035] The term “surfactant” refers to any amphipathic molecule that, when added to water, reduces the surface tension thereof.

[0036] The term “moiety” or “moieties” refers to a part(s) or a functional group(s) of a molecule.

[0037] The term “substituted” means that the specified group(s) or moiety or moieties bears one or more substituent.

[0038] The term “functionalized” with reference to any moiety refers to the presence of one or more functional groups in the moiety. Various functional groups may be introduced in a moiety by way of one or more functionalization reactions known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. It is to be understood that an alcohol or polyol “functionalized” by an epoxy compound or glycidyl ether has reacted so that at least one hydroxyl group of the alcohol or polyol has formed an ether bond to one of the carbon atoms of an epoxide group of the epoxy compound or glycidyl ether so that at least one epoxide group of the epoxy compound or glycidyl ether has ring opened upon attack by the alcohol or polyol to generate a new hydroxyl group.

[0039] The term “aliphatic hydrophilic polyol” refers to a substance, i.e., reactant A, in one embodiment, which is a hydrophilic compound having two or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of aliphatic hydrophilic polyols include oligomers, polymers and copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, poly(trimethylene oxide) glycols, polytetramethylene ether glycols, polyurethane polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polyester polyols, and acrylic polyols.

[0040] The term “aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol” refers to a substance, i.e., reactant A, in another embodiment, which is a polyether having two or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyols include oligomers, polymers and copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols,Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT poly(trimethylene oxide) glycols and polytetramethylene ether glycols. In a preferred embodiment, the aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol is a polyethylene glycol.

[0041] The term “hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group” refers to a substance, i.e., reactant B, which is a hydrophobic substance having an epoxide group. An epoxy group is a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom joined by single bonds to two adjacent carbon atoms, thus forming the three-membered epoxide ring. The hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group may be an alkyl glycidyl ether in which the alkyl group is saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbyl group having from 3 to 24 carbon atoms. Preferably, the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is a primary straight-chain alkyl glycidyl ether, such as n-butyl glycidyl ether, n-octyl glycidyl ether, n-decyl glycidyl ether, n- dodecyl glycidyl ether, n-tetradecyl glycidyl ether, n-hexadecyl glycidyl ether, n-octadecyl glycidyl ether, n-octadecenyl glycidyl ether (oleyl glycidyl ether), docosyl glycidyl ether, and the like; a primary branched alkyl glycidyl ether, such as 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, 2-hexyldecyl glycidyl ether, 2-octyldodecyl glycidyl ether, 2-heptylundecyl glycidyl ether, 2-(1,3,3- trimethylbutyl)octyl glycidyl ether, 2-decyltetradecyl glycidyl ether, 2-dodecylhexadecyl glycidyl ether, 2-tetradecyloctadecyl glycidyl ether; a secondary alkyl glycidyl ether such as sec-decyl glycidyl ether, sec-octyl glycidyl ether, sec-dodecyl glycidyl ether, and the like; or a tertiary alkyl glycidyl ether, such as t-octyl glycidyl ether, t-dodecyl glycidyl ether, and the like.

[0042] The term “aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol” refers to a substance, i.e., reactant C, having a structure set out below: R1

[0043] wherein R is a linear or group having from 1 to about 20 carbons; n ≥ 1; and, for each repeat unit, independently, R1= R2= H, R1= H and R2= CH3, or R1= CH3and R2= H.

[0044] Unless specified otherwise, the term “polyethylene glycol” refers to both linear polyethylene glycols and branched polyethylene glycols, which may be formed by ethoxylating a polyol having three or more hydroxyl groups. Polyols having three or more hydroxyl groupsDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT include but are not limited to glycerol, trimethylolmethane, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, benzenetriol, triethanolamine, threitol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, diglycerol, bis(trimethylolpropane), ribitol, xylitol, arabinitol, triglycerol, sorbitol, mannitol, dipentaerythritol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol and hexaglycerol.

[0045] The molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A, an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol, can be determined by multiplying the moles of reactant A by the number of hydroxyl groups per molecule of reactant A. The molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B, a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group, can be determined by multiplying the moles of reactant B by the number of epoxy groups per molecule of reactant B.

[0046] The present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant comprising a reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. Preferably, the agricultural composition comprises a surfactant comprising the reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. Preferably the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2, respectively.

[0047] Preferably, the surfactant comprising the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B further comprises the reaction product of (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; and (iii) reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol. Preferably, reactant C has a weight average molecular weight of from about 100 to about 10000.

[0048] Preferably, the aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol (reactant A in some embodiments) is a polyalkylene glycol. More preferably, the polyalkylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 100, polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 500, polyethylene glycol 600, polyethylene glycol 700, polyethylene glycol 800, polyethylene glycol 900, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 1100, polyethylene glycol 1200, polyethylene glycol 1300, polyethylene glycol 1400, polyethylene glycol 1500, polyethylene glycol 1600, polyethylene glycol 1700, polyethylene glycol 1800, polyethylene glycol 1900, polyethylene glycol 2000, polyethylene glycol 2100, polyethylene glycol 2200, polyethylene glycol 2300, polyethylene glycol 2400, polyethylene glycol 2500, polyethylene glycol 2600,Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT polyethylene glycol 2700, polyethylene glycol 2800, polyethylene glycol 2900, polyethylene glycol 3000, polyethylene glycol 3100, polyethylene glycol 3200, polyethylene glycol 3300, polyethylene glycol 3400, polyethylene glycol 3500, polyethylene glycol 3600, polyethylene glycol 3700, polyethylene glycol 3800, polyethylene glycol 3900, polyethylene glycol 4000, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol 425, and EO / PO block copolymers, such as Makon® L and Makon® R series polymers from Stepan and Pluronic® polymers from BASF. More preferably, the polyalkylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 100, polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 500, polyethylene glycol 600, polyethylene glycol 700, polyethylene glycol 800, polyethylene glycol 900, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 1100, polyethylene glycol 1200, polyethylene glycol 1300, polyethylene glycol 1400, polyethylene glycol 1500, polyethylene glycol 1600, polyethylene glycol 1700, polyethylene glycol 1800, polyethylene glycol 1900, polyethylene glycol 2000, polyethylene glycol 2100, polyethylene glycol 2200, polyethylene glycol 2300, polyethylene glycol 2400, polyethylene glycol 2500, polyethylene glycol 2600, polyethylene glycol 2700, polyethylene glycol 2800, polyethylene glycol 2900, polyethylene glycol 3000, polyethylene glycol 3100, polyethylene glycol 3200, polyethylene glycol 3300, polyethylene glycol 3400, polyethylene glycol 3500, polyethylene glycol 3600, polyethylene glycol 3700, polyethylene glycol 3800, polyethylene glycol 3900, polyethylene glycol 4000, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol 425.

[0049] Preferably, the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group (reactant B) is an alkyl glycidyl ether or allyl glycidyl ether. Preferably, the alkyl glycidyl ether is selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, n-butyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, 2-hexyldecyl glycidyl ether, 2-octyldodecyl glycidyl ether, 2-heptylundecyl glycidyl ether, 2-(1,3,3- trimethylbutyl) octyl glycidyl ether, 2-decyltetradecyl glycidyl ether, 2-dodecylhexadecyl glycidyl ether, and 2-tetradecyloctadecyl glycidyl ether. Preferably, the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether.

[0050] Preferably, the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B comprises a mixture of mono- functionalized aliphatic hydrophilic polyols and multi-functionalized aliphatic hydrophilic polyols. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B comprises a mixture of aliphatic hydrophilic polyols mono-functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether and aliphaticDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT hydrophilic polyols multi-functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether. Preferably, the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B comprises: (i) from about 0.05 % to about 40.0 % of aliphatic hydrophilic polyols mono-functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether; and (ii) from about 60.0 % to about 99.95 % of aliphatic hydrophilic polyols multi-functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether. Preferably, the aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyethylene glycol and the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2, respectively. Preferably, the aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyethylene glycol and the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 1:1, respectively.

[0051] Preferably, the reaction is conducted at a temperature of from about 80 °C to about 120 °C. Preferably, the base is selected from the group consisting of triethylamine, 4- (dimethylamino)pyridine, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine, and oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of sodium, potassium and calcium, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the base is sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

[0052] The present invention further provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant comprising a reaction product of: (i) reactant A: a polyethylene glycol and (ii) reactant B: 2- ethylhexyl glycidyl ether; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in the polyethylene glycol to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether is about 1:1; wherein the reaction product comprises a mixture of polyethylene glycols mono- functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, polyethylene glycols di-functionalized by 2- ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, polyethylene glycols tri-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, polyethylene glycols tetra-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and polyethylene glycols penta-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether; and wherein the reaction product has the following generic structure: OQ O O(C11H2O HH(C11H2 bm;wherein each C11H22O2unit is independentlyDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT O O O O ; wherein each C11H22O2 unitby a carbon-oxygen single bond; wherein the sum of all n’s is an integer ranging from 1 to about 90; m is an integer ranging from 1 to 7; a and b are integers, the sum of which ranges from 1 to about 5; and Q is an (m + 1)-valent alkylene group comprising two to twenty carbon atoms, optionally branched, optionally substituted, and optionally containing ether, oxa or aza moieties. Preferably, Q is selected from the group consisting of divalent alkylene groups, CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2; trivalent alkylene groups, CH2CHCH2, CH2CHCH2CH2, HC(CH2)3, CH3C(CH2)3, CH3CH2C(CH2)3, N(CH2)3, N(CH2CH2)3, N(CH2CH2CH2)3, C6H3(i.e., benzenetriyl), C6H3(CH2)3, C6H3(CH2CH2)3, CH3C6H2 (i.e., toluenetriyl), CH3C6H2(CH2)3, CH3C6H2(CH2CH2)3, (CH3)2C6H (i.e., dimethylbenzenetriyl), (CH3)2C6H(CH2)3, (CH3)2C6H(CH2CH2)3, C6H9 (i.e., cyclohexanetriyl), C6H9(CH2)3, C6H9(CH2CH2)3, C3N3O3(CH2)3(i.e., trimethyleneisocyanurate), and C3N3O3(CH2CH2)3; tetravalent alkylene groups, CH2CHCHCH2, C(CH2)4, CH2CHCH2OCH2CHCH2, (CH2)2C(CH2CH3)CH2OCH2C(CH2CH3)(CH2)2, and C6H2 (i.e., benzenetetrayl); pentavalent alkylene groups, CH2CHCHCHCH2, CH2CHCH2(OCH2CHCH2)2, and C6H (i.e., benzenepentayl); hexavalent alkylene groups, CH2CHCHCHCHCH2, CH2CHCH2(OCH2CHCH2)3, (CH2)3CCH2OCH2C(CH2)3, and C6 (i.e., benzenehexayl); heptavalent alkylene group, CH2CHCH2(OCH2CHCH2)4; and octavalent alkylene groups, CH2CHCH2(OCH2CHCH2)5and (CH2)3CCH2(OCH2C(CH2)2)2CH2.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, Q is the divalent alkylene group, CH2CH2, and the surfactant of the present invention comprises a reaction product of: (i) reactant A: a linear polyethylene glycol; and (ii) reactant B: 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in the linear polyethylene glycol to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in 2- ethylhexyl glycidyl ether is about 1:1; wherein the reaction product comprises a mixture of linear polyethylene glycols mono-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, linear polyethylene glycols di-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, linear polyethylene glycols tri- functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, linear polyethylene glycols tetra-functionalized byDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and linear polyethylene glycols penta-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether; and wherein the reaction product has the following generic structure: O(CH O HH(C 11 22 2)b11H22O2)a On , wherein each C11H22O2O O O O , wherein each C11H22O2unit by a carbon-oxygen single bond; wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to about 90; and wherein a and b are integers, the sum of which ranges from 1 to about 5. Preferably, the surfactant comprises: polyethylene glycols mono-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 1; polyethylene glycols di-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 2; polyethylene glycols tri-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 3; polyethylene glycols tetra-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 4; and polyethylene glycols penta-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 5.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant comprising a reaction product represented by the following structure: OHwherein n is an integer to

[0054] Preferably, reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol, has the structure set out below:Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT R1OH wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl1 to about 20 carbons; n is an integer ranging from 1 to about 25; and, for each repeat unit, independently, R1= R2= H, R1= H and R2= CH3, or R1= CH3and R2= H. Preferably, the aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol is selected from the group consisting of C6-20 alcohol ethoxylates having from 3 to about 225 ethoxylate units.

[0055] In one embodiment, “aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol” includes alcohol ethoxylates selected from the group consisting of C6-20 alcohol ethoxylates (3 – 225 EO). Such alcohol ethoxylates can be obtained from BASF (LUTENSOL®) and Sasol Performance Chemicals (NOVEL®).

[0056] In another non-limiting embodiment, the present application discloses a ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in polyethylene glycol to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in 2- ethylhexyl glycidyl ether from about 4:1 to about 1:2.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the present application discloses a reaction of (i) a polyethylene glycol and (ii) 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in polyethylene glycol to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether is from about 4:1 to about 1:2.

[0058] The present invention further provides an agricultural composition comprising (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; (B) from about 1.0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

[0059] In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention provides an agricultural composition comprising (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molarDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant C to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 1:1 to about 1:2; (B) from about 1.0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

[0060] In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention provides an agricultural composition made by combining, in a manner known in the art, one or more agriculturally active ingredient and an additional ingredient with the surfactant of the present invention, either as a “tank-mix” or as an “in-can” formulation.

[0061] The term “tank-mix” refers to a composition in which at least one agrochemical is added to a spray medium, such as water or oil, at the point of use and blended in a tank installed on a tractor or aircraft built for that purpose.

[0062] The term “in-can” refers to a formulation or concentrate containing at least one agrochemical component, wherein the formulation is diluted to the desired concentration at the point of use, usually in a tank-mix, or used undiluted.

[0063] In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention provides a seed coating composition comprising: (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; (B) from about 1.0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

[0064] In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention provides a livestock composition comprising: (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant BDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; (B) from about 1.0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

[0065] In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention provides a seed coating composition comprising : (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; (B) from about 1.0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

[0066] In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention provides a livestock composition comprising : (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; (B) from about 1.0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the present application, it is contemplated to employ at least one agricultural active ingredient selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, herbicides, ovicides, fungicides, pesticides selected from the group of rodenticides, miticides, algicides, molluscicides, acaricides, avicides, insecticides, germicides, antibiotics, antibacterial, antivirals, antifungals, antiprotozoals, anti-parasites and antimicrobials compounds.

[0068] According to another embodiment of the present application, pesticides contemplated for use in the present invention include, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, miticides, nematicides, acaricides, and molluscicides.

[0069] The fertilizer contemplated for use in the present application can include an inorganic fertilizer, a nitrogen fertilizer, a potassium fertilizer, a phosphate fertilizer, an organic fertilizer, aDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT manure, a compost, a rock phosphate, a bone meal, an alfalfa, a wood chip, a langbeinite, a cover crops, potassium sulfate, a rock powder, ash, a blood meal, a fish meal, a fish emulsion, an algae, a chitosan and a molasse.

[0070] Examples of herbicides contemplated for use in the present application can include phenoxy carboxylic acids (e.g.2,4-D-acid, MCPA), benzoic acids (e.g. Dicamba-acid), ureas, (e.g. Diuron) sulfonylureas (e.g. methylsulfuron-methyl, rimsulfuron), triazines (e.g. atrazine, simazine, ametryn), triazolinones (e.g. amicarbazone) and pyridine carboxylic acids (e.g. triclopyr).

[0071] Examples of fungicides contemplated for use in the present application include fungicides of the classes triazoles (e.g. tebuconazole, tetraconazole, cyproconazole, epoxiconazole, difenconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, myclobutanil), strobilurins (e.g. trifloxystrobin, azoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, pyraclostrobin), alkylenebis(dithiocarbamate) compounds (e.g. mancozeb) and benzimidazoles (e.g., carbendazim).

[0072] Examples of insecticides contemplated for use in the present invention include neonicotinoids (e.g. thiamethoxam, clothianidin, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, nitenpyram, imidacloprid), amidines (e.g. amitraz), organophosphates (e.g. chlorpyrifos) and pyrethroids (e.g. permethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin).

[0073] Antimicrobials suitable for agrochemical compositions according to the present invention includes germicides, antibiotics, antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals, antiprotozoals and antiparasites. Bactericidal disinfectants mostly used are those applying active chlorine (i.e., hypochlorites, chloramines, dichloroisocyanurate and trichloroisocyanurate, wet chlorine, chlorine dioxide, etc.), active oxygen (peroxides such as peracetic acid, potassium persulfate, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate and urea perhydrate), iodine (iodpovidone (povidone-iodine, Betadine), Lugol's solution, iodine tincture, iodinated nonionic surfactants), concentrated alcohols (mainly ethanol, 1-propanol, called also n-propanol and 2-propanol, called isopropanol and mixtures thereof; further, 2-phenoxyethanol and 1- and 2-phenoxypropanols are used), phenolic substances (such as phenol (also called “carbolic acid”), cresols (called “Lysole” in combination with liquid potassium soaps), halogenated (chlorinated, brominated) phenols, such as hexachlorophene, triclosan, trichlorophenol, tribromophenol, pentachlorophenol, Dibromol and salts thereof), cationic surfactants such as some quaternary ammonium cations (such as benzalkonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide or chloride,Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT didecyldimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride) and others, non-quarternary compounds such as chlorhexidine, glucoprotamine, octenidine dihydrochloride, etc.), strong oxidizers such as ozone and permanganate solutions; heavy metals and their salts such as colloidal silver, silver nitrate, mercury chloride, phenylmercury salts, copper sulfate, copper oxide-chloride etc. Heavy metals and their salts are the most toxic and environmentally hazardous bactericides and, therefore, their use is strongly suppressed or forbidden; further, also properly concentrated strong acids (phosphoric, nitric, sulfuric, amidosulfuric, toluenesulfonic acids) and alcalis (sodium, potassium, calcium hydroxides).

[0074] Suitable examples of plant growth regulators contemplated for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, phosphonic acids (e.g. ethephon), gibberellins cytokinins (e.g. 6- benzylaminopurine), auxins (e.g. 1-naphtylacetic acid, triazoles, strobilurins, alkylenebis(dithiocarbamate) compounds, benzimidazoles, phenoxy carboxylic acids, benzoic acids, ureas, sulfonylureas, triazines, pyridine carboxylic acids, neonicotinides, amidines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids.

[0075] According to another embodiment of the present application, it is contemplated to employ at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of adjuvant selected from the group of acidifying agents, buffering agents, anti-foam agents, defoaming agents, anti-transpirants, dyes and brighteners, compatibility agents, crop oil concentrates, oil surfactants, deposition agents, drift reduction agents, foam markers, feeding stimulants, herbicide safeners, spreaders, extenders, adhesive agents, suspension agents, gelling agents, synergists, wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersing agents, penetrants, tank and equipment cleaners, neutralizers, water absorbents, water softeners and mixtures thereof.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the present application, it is contemplated to employ at least one ingredient further selected from the group consisting of solvents, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, surfactants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, compatibilizers, bactericides, anti-freezing agents, crystallization inhibitors, colorants, tackifiers, binders, preservatives, pH adjuster, clarifiers, stabilizers, UV stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition can include an acidifying agent that improves the efficacy of the agricultural composition. TheDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT acidifying agent can be suitable organic and inorganic acids selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, perchloric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0078] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition can include a buffering agent to reduce the pH. A buffering agent includes mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, sulfonic acid, sulfurous acid, nitric acid, or nitrous acid; an organic acid such as glutaric acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, acrylic acid, or combinations thereof.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition can comprise effective anti-transparent compounds reduces moisture loss. Antitranspirant compounds includes sorbitol, mannitol, and sucrose, silicones, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, paraffin, turpentine diene (terpene resin).

[0080] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition comprising a suitable “compatibility agent” which allows easier mixing of two or more components in a solution, thereby allowing the use of two or more chemicals in a tank that would otherwise be incompatible. Preferred compatibility agents are alkali metal acetates, earth alkali metal acetates, and mixtures thereof.

[0081] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition comprising a suitable crop oil concentrate (COCs) can be used to enhance the weed control efficacy, reduced volatility, lower water solubility, low surface tension, improved surface coverage and penetration efficacy of an agricultural composition. Crop oil concentrate (COCs) can be aromatic or paraffinic solvent, a fatty acid, one or more lower alkyl fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene sulfates, phosphates, or carboxylates.

[0082] According to another embodiment of the present invention, agricultural compositions can be utilize drift reduction agents as a soil or foliage penetrant, which can reduce drift or spray drift, by means including but not limited to increasing the droplet size of a sprayed liquid selected from the group consisting of at least one phospholipid, vegetable colloids, non-derivatized guar gum, non-cationic derivatized guar gum, cationic guar gum, polyethylene oxides, poly(vinyl pyrrolidones), polyacrylamides, a non-ionic emulsifier, a cationic emulsifier and an anionic emulsifier.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0083] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the enhancing deposition, "deposition agent" of the agricultural composition assist in keeping it from drifting from the target area as it is being applied sprayed, or from being blown away from the plant or animal once it has been deposited. The deposition agents include modified cellulose (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose), botanicals (e.g., grain flours, ground plant parts), natural earths (talc, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth), natural clays (e.g., attapulgite, bentonite, kaolinite, montmorillonite), or synthetic (e.g., Laponite) or proteins (soy protein, potato protein, soy flour, potato flour, fish meal, bone meal, yeast extract, blood meal)

[0084] According to another embodiment of the present invention, herbicide safeners reduce or eliminate the phytotoxic effects of the active ingredient against non-target plant species (e.g. crops), while maintaining acceptable levels of efficacy against target species (e.g. weeds). Examples of herbicide safeners include, but are not limited to benoxacor, (RS)-4-dichloroacetyl- 3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine; cloquintocet, (5-chloroquinolin-8-yloxy)acetic acid; cloquintocet-mexyl, (RS)-1-methylhexyl (5-chloroquinolin-8-yloxy)acetate; cyometrinil, (Z)- cyanomethoxyimino(phenyl)acetonitrile; cyprosulfamide, N-[4- (cyclopropylcarbamoyl)phenylsulfonyl]-o-anisamide or N-[4- (cyclopropylcarbamoyl)phenylsulfonyl]-2-methoxybenzamide; dichlormid, N,N-diallyl-2,2- dichloroacetamide; dicyclonon, (RS)-1-dichloroacetyl-3,3,8a-trimethylperhydropyrrolo[1,2- a]pyrimidin-6-one; dietholate, O,O-diethyl O-phenyl phosphorothioate; fenchlorazole, 1-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-5-trichloromethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylic acid; fenchlorazole-ethyl, ethyl 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-trichloromethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; fenclorim, 1-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-5-trichloromethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylic acid; flurazole, benzyl 2- chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate or benzyl 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylthiazole- 5-carboxylate; fluxofenim, 4′-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone (EZ)-O-1,3-dioxolan-2- ylmethyloxime; furilazole, (RS)-3-dichloroacetyl-5-(2-furanyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine; isoxadifen, 4,5-dihydro-5,5-diphenyl-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylic acid; isoxadifen-ethyl, ethyl 4,5- dihydro-5,5-diphenyl-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylate; jiecaowan, 2-(dichloromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3- dioxolane; jiecaoxi, N-allyl-N-(allylcarbamoylmethyl)-2,2-dichloroacetamide; mephenate, 4- chlorophenyl methylcarbamate; naphthalic anhydride, naphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic anhydride; oxabetrinil, (Z)-1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethoxyimino(phenyl)acetonitrile; mefenpyr, (RS)-1-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrazoline-3,5-dicarboxylic acid; mefenpyr-diethyl, diethyl (RS)-1-Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT (2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrazoline-3,5-dicarboxylate, MG-191, 2-(dichloromethyl)-2- methyl-1,3-dioxolane and combinations thereof;

[0085] According to another embodiment of the present application, suitable suspension agents selected from the group consisting of attapulgite clay, fumed silica and combinations thereof.

[0086] According to another embodiment of the present application, the adhesives used in agricultural composition can be, a wax such as carnauba wax, beeswax, Chinese wax, shellac wax, spermaceti wax, candelilla wax, castor wax, ouricury wax, and rice bran wax, a polysaccharide (e.g., starch, dextrins, maltodextrins, alginate, and chitosans), a fat, oil, a protein (e.g., gelatin and zeins), gum arables, and shellacs. Adhesive agents can be non-naturally occurring compounds, e.g., polymers, copolymers, and waxes. For example, non-limiting examples of polymers that can be used as an adhesive agent include: polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, celluloses (e.g., ethylcelluloses, methylcelluloses, hydroxymethylcelluloses, hydroxypropylcelluloses, and carboxymethylcelluloses), polyvinylpyrolidones, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonates, acrylic copolymers, polyvinylacrylates, polyethylene oxide, acylamide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylamide monomers, and polychloroprene.

[0087] According to another embodiment of the present application, the gelling agents can be selected from gelling clay or a polysaccharide gum, bentonite clays, xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, algal oligosaccharides, and combinations thereof,

[0088] According to another embodiment of the present application, suitable examples of water- absorbent agents includes a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer; a hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft polymer; a neutralized starch-acrylic acid graft polymer; a saponified vinyl acetate-acrylic ester copolymer; a crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose; a hydrolyzed or crosslinked acrylnitryl copolymer or acrylamide copolymer; a crosslinked cationic monomer; a crosslinked isobutylene- maleic acid copolymer; a crosslinked polymer of 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid and acrylic acid; and the like.

[0089] According to another embodiment of the present application, the water softener agents can be selected from sodium tripolyphosphate and tetra potassium pyrophosphate.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0090] According to another embodiment of the present application, it is contemplated to employ at least one solvent used in the agricultural composition exhibits desirable solvency relative to agricultural compositions. In addition, the solvents can include alkyl benzenes, alkyl naphthalenes such as isophorone, cyclohexanone, and methylcyclohexanone, methyl esters of fatty acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, fuel oils, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone, N-methylpyrolidone, butyl lactate, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetophenone, or petroleum-derived toluene, xylene, chlorotoluene, benzene, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, naphthalene, ketones such as, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzene and trichloroethane, alcohols such as benzyl alcohol, furfuryl alcohol, butanol and glycol ethers and combination thereof.

[0091] According to another embodiment of the present application, solid and liquid carriers can be utilized in present application, used to coat seeds with modified maleated soybean compositions or to distribute oil compositions into a field. Solid carriers such as diatomaceous earth, finely ground limestone or magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate. Sugars such as sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, or dextrose may also be used as solid carriers. Carriers can further include gases or vapors, such as steam, air, or inert gases such as diatomic nitrogen, which can be used to fluidize a solid composition. Other examples of suitable carrier include talc, bentonite, clay, kaoline, white carbon, vermiculite, slaked lime, silica sand, ammonium sulfate, urea, etc. and liquid carriers such as methylnaphthalene, isopropyl alcohol, xylene, cyclohexanone, water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, dimethylformaldehyde and ethyleneglycol.

[0092] According to an embodiment the “filler” can be selected from a group comprising bentonite, sub-bentonite, attapulgite, kaolinites, montmorillonite, bauxite, hydrated aluminas, calcined aluminas, diatomaceous earth, chalk, fuller's earth, dolomite, kiesulguhr, loess, prophyllites, talc, vermiculites, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, silica and china clay.

[0093] According to an embodiment the “surfactant” is meant herein a compound that lowers the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading. Suitable auxiliary surfactants include, but are not limited to nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, polymeric surfactants.

[0094] The nonionic surfactants include, alkoxylates, mainly ethoxylates, and nonionic surfactants, in particular fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene esters, for example lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether acetate, alkyl polyoxyethylene ethers and alkyl polyoxypropylene ethers, for example of linear fatty alcohols, alkylaryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, for exampleDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, alkoxylated animal and / or vegetable fats and / or oils, for example corn oil ethoxylates, castor oil ethoxylates, tallow fat ethoxylates, glycerol esters such as, for example, glycerol monostearate, fatty alcohol alkoxylates and oxo alcohol alkoxylates and oleyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, alkylphenol alkoxylates such as, for example, ethoxylated isooctylphenol, octylphenol or nonylphenol, tributylphenyl polyoxyethylene ethers, fatty amine alkoxylates, fatty acid amide alkoxylates and fatty acid diethanolamide alkoxylates, in particular their ethoxylates, sugar surfactants, sorbitol esters such as, for example, sorbitan fatty acid esters (sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan tristearate), polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, alkylpolyglycosides, N-alkylgluconamides, -alkylmethyl sulfoxides, alkyldimethylphosphine oxides such as, for example, tetradecyldimethylphosphine oxide.

[0095] The amphoteric surfactants include, for example, sulfobetaines, carboxybetaines and alkyldimethylamine oxides, for example tetradecyldimethylamine oxide.

[0096] The polymeric surfactants include, for example, di-, tri- and multi-block polymers of the type (AB), ABA and BAB, for example optionally end-capped ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, for example ethylenediamine-EO / PO block copolymers, polystyrene block polyethylene oxide, and AB comb polymers, for example polymethacrylate comb polyethylene oxide.

[0097] Further surfactants are perfluoro surfactants, silicone surfactants, for example polyether- modified siloxanes, phospholipids such as, for example lecithin or chemically modified lecithins, amino acid surfactants, for example N-lauroylglutamate, and surface-active homo- and copolymers, for example polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acids in the form of their salts, polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, maleic anhydride / isobutene copolymers and vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymers. Unless specified, the alkyl chains of the abovementioned surfactants are linear or branched radicals, usually having 8 to 25 carbon atoms.

[0098] The term “dispersing agent” as used herein refers to a “substance added to a suspension to improve the separation of particles and to prevent settling or clumping. According to an embodiment the dispersing agents which can be used in the agricultural composition can be chosen from a group comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, lignosulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, ethoxylated alkyl phenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated linearDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT alcohols, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates, glyceryl esters, maleic anhydride copolymers, phosphate esters, condensation products of aryl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, condensation products of alkylaryl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, salts of addition products. of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, sulfonates of condensed naphthalene, addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, salts of addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, lignin derivatives, naphthalene formaldehyde condensates, sodium salt of isodecylsulfosuccinic acid half ester, polycarboxylates, sodium alkylbenzenesulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of phenolsulfonic acids and salts of naphthalene sulfonic acids.

[0099] The term “emulsifier” as used herein refers to a substance that stabilizes an emulsion, i.e. a mixture of two or more liquids. The emulsifier can be any single emulsifier or combination of two or more emulsifiers that can produce an agricultural composition. The emulsifier can be anionic, cationic, or non-ionic, or can include a combination of anionic, cationic, and non-ionic emulsifiers.

[0100] Examples of non-ionic emulsifiers include alkoxylated castor oil, alkoxylated polyarylphenols, alkoxylated alkyl phenols, alkoxylated alkylarylphenols, and alkoxylated fatty alcohols, as well as mixtures thereof. More specific examples include alkoxylated acetylenic diols, polyoxyalkylene mono- and di(alkyl)phenylethers, polyoxyalkylene di- and tristyrylphenylethers, block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and C2-C6 alkyl adducts thereof, sorbitan C8-C20 mono-, di- and tri(C8-C20 fatty acid) esters, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan mono-, di- and tri(C8-C20 fatty acid) esters, sucrose esters and C8-C20 alkyl polyglycosides.

[0101] Commercially available examples of non-ionic emulsifiers include the following: those commercially available under the trade names POLYSORBATE 80 (aka, Tween 80; Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) (HLB=15); Tween 20 (Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate), Tween 85 (aka emulsifier T-85) (HLB=11.0); TRITON X-100 (aka octylphenol ethoxylate) (HLB=13.4).

[0102] Examples of useful anionic emulsifiers include calcium-dodecylbenzene sulfonate, di- octyl sulfosuccinate, sulfated or phosphated alkoxylated fatty alcohols, sulfated or phosphated alkoxylated alkylaryl phenols, and combinations of these. Some more specific examples includeDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT alkyl carboxylates including fatty acids, alcohol sulfates, alcohol phosphate mono- and diesters, (alkyl)phenol polyoxyethylene ether carboxylates, sulfates and sulfonates, (alkyl)phenol polyoxyethylene phosphate mono- and diesters, alkylbenzene sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates and formaldehyde condensates thereof, lignosulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates and sulfosuccinamates, alkyl polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinates and sulfosuccinamates, and C8-20 acyl glutamates, sarcosinates, isethionates and taurates. Cationic counterions accompanying an anionic emulsifier can preferably be monovalent, e.g., hydrogen, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and monovalent organic ammonium cations (isopropylamine).

[0103] Examples of emulsifiers which exhibit cationic properties in acidic conditions are fatty amines, amine oxides and amine ethoxylates. Amphoteric emulsifiers such as betaines may also exhibit such properties. Preferably, the cationic emulsifiers are selected from dimethylcocoamine, dimethyl- laurylamine oxide, alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, alkylpyridium chloride, alkylimidazolium chloride, or mixtures thereof.

[0104] Preferably, the nonionic emulsifiers are alkyl polysaccharides, sorbate emulsifiers, alkyl bearing ethoxylates or fatty alkanolamides. Alkyl polysaccharides are sometimes called alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl glucosides or alkyl saccharides. The sorbate emulsifiers are sorbitan mono- (or sesqui-) esters of fatty acids and include sorbitan mono-oleate and sorbitan monolaurate.

[0105] According to an embodiment the wetting agent which can be used in the agricultural composition can be selected from a group comprising carbinol (hydroxyl) terminated polydimethylsiloxane (CAS 67674-67-3), Silwet 408 type wetting agents , phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium salt of sulfonated alkylcarboxylate, polyoxyalkylated ethyl phenols, polyoxyethoylated fatty alcohols, polyoxythoxylated fatty amines, lignin derivatives, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, salts of polycarboxylic acids, salts of esters of sulfosuccinic acid, alkylnaphthalenesulphonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkylpolyglycol ether sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters. Examples of a wetting agent also include polyoxyethylenealkyl phenyl ethers, sodium alkylbenzenesulfonates, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, sodium alkylsulfates, sodium alkylsulfosuccinates and polyoxyethylenealkyl aryl ether or Break-thru DA 675 an aqueous solution of an organic modified polymer with pigment binding groups, which can be used alone or in combination of two or more.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0106] The agriculture compositions can include a solubilizer to ensure good solubilization and / or dissolution of the active ingredients such as the fungicide and / or lipopeptide. A solubilizer can also be added to increase the solubility of the fungicide and / or lipopeptide and / or other components, such as surfactants, or to maintain the composition as a stable or homogeneous solution or dispersion.

[0107] Examples of suitable solubilizers of agricultural composition include, but are not limited to, the following: alcohols and polyols, such as ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, benzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediols and isomers thereof, glycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, transcutol, dimethyl isosorbide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyvinylalcohol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and other cellulose derivatives, cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives; ethers of polyethylene glycols having an average molecular weight of about 200 to about 6000, such as tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol PEG ether (glycofurol) or methoxy PEG; amides and other nitrogen-containing compounds such as 2-pyrrolidone, 2-piperidone, ε- caprolactam, N-alkylpyrrolidone, N-hydroxyalkylpyrrolidone, N-alkylpiperidone, N- alkylcaprolactam, dimethylacetamide and polyvinylpyrrolidone; esters such as ethyl propionate, tributylcitrate, acetyl triethylcitrate, acetyl tributyl citrate, triethylcitrate, ethyl oleate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl butyrate, triacetin, propylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol diacetate, .epsilon.-caprolactone and isomers thereof, δ-valerolactone and isomers thereof, β-butyrolactone and isomers thereof; and other solubilizers known in the art, such as dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl isosorbide, N-methylpyrrolidones, monooctanoin, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and water.

[0108] A solubilizer for use in the present invention can be any substance that increases the solubility of an agricultural composition in water. Preferred solubilizers include benzyl acetate; N- methyl pyrrolidone; propylene carbonate; alcohols, such as benzyl alcohol, ethanol, methanol; and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, solubilizers include sorbitol, triacetin, ethyl alcohol, PEG-400, glycofurol and propylene glycol.

[0109] The term “penetration enhancer” used herein as a compound that accelerates the uptake of active ingredient through the cuticle of a plant into the plant, i.e., the rate of uptake, and / or increases the amount of active ingredient absorbed into the plant. Classes of substances known as penetration enhancers, include alkyl phosphates, such as tributyl phosphate and tripropyl phosphate, and naphthalenesulphonic acid salts.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0110] Suitable stickers / adhesion agents include block copolymer EO / PO surfactants but also polyvinylalcohols, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polybutenes, polyisobutylenes, polystyrene, polyethyleneamines, polyethyleneamides, polyethyleneimines (Lupasol®, Polymin®), polyethers and copolymers derived from these polymers.

[0111] Thickener is a kind of auxiliary rheological agents; Rheological characteristic to the hierarchy of control plays important effect, and it can improve system viscosity, makes system keep stable suspended state or milkiness state uniformly; or the formation gel, can give the physical and chemical stability ability of product fine. The thickener kind is a lot, can be divided into water- based thickener, oiliness thickener, acid thickener, alkaline thickener through its purposes.When selecting these thickeners except flowability, transparency, denseness, gelation and the suspended particulate ability that will consider product. Thickners / stabilizers such as natural polymers such as Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, natural gums, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), HPMC or synthetic polymers based on acrylates, polyacrylamide (PAM), PVP or combination of synthetic polymers and carbomers.

[0112] Examples of the thickener include organic thickeners such as xanthan gum, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, methylcellulose, and alginic acid, and inorganic thickeners such as bentonite. If desired, a thickening agent can also be added, such as for example a thickener known as Aqualon. Aqualon is a trademark of Hercules Inc., of Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America. Aqualon is a cellulose ether adhesive thickener. Other thickeners include hydroxy ethyl cellulose, carboxy methyl propyl cellulose, and the like.

[0113] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the humectant will act to absorb moisture during humid periods of time and the moisture so held by the humectant will then be extracted by the powerful osmosis action of root fibres during dry hot periods of time (such as during dry hot days). Humectants which have surprisingly been found to have substantial advantages in improving plant root watering, include sorbitol, glycerol, molasses, potassium lactate, sodium lactate and potassium acetate.

[0114] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the repellent substances are known to cause insects to be driven away from or to reject (otherwise insect-acceptable) food sources. Repellents may be in the form of gases (olfactory), liquids, or solids (gustatory). Insect repellents include, benzil; benzyl benzoate; 2,3,4,5-bis(butyl-2-ene) tetrahydrofurfural (MGKDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Repellent 11); butoxypolypropylene glycol; N-butylacetanilide; normal-butyl-6,6-dimethyl-5,6- dihydro-1,4-pyrone-2-carboxylate (Indalone); dibutyl adipate; dibutyl phthalate; di-normal-butyl succinate (Tabatrex); N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (also known as Delphone, Detamide, Autan, or, more simply, Deet); dimethyl carbate (cis-bicyclo-[2.2.1]-5-heptene-2,3-dicarboxylate); dimethyl phthalate; 2-ethyl-2-butyl-1,3-propanediol; 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (Rutgers 612); di-normal- propyl isocinchomeronate (MGK Repellent 326); 2-phenylcyclohexanol; and normal-propyl N, N- diethylsuccinamate. Standard repellents for mosquitoes, ticks, and the like are citronella oil, dimethyl phthalate, normal-butylmesityl oxide oxalate and 2-ethyl hexanediol-1,3. A particular group of insect repellents includes the terpenoid compounds, Terpenoid-alcohol or terpene-ols are terpenoids which have at least one hydroxyl group. Examples of terpene-ols include: perillyl alcohol, carveol, myrtenol, and cis-verbenol; myrtanol, iso-pinocampheol, dihydrocarveol, isopulegol, terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, nerol, geraniol, and linalool, menthol, beta-citronellol, and dihydro-myrcenol.

[0115] The agricultural composition further comprises feeding stimulants or attractants include floral odor, light, pheromone, a plant extract, a sugar, honey, molasses, a protein, or combinations of amino acids in varying amounts; or other attractants adaptable to multiple insect species to attract insects to consume or otherwise be exposed to the active ingredients. The food substance includes a plant extract, a sugar, honey, molasses, a protein, or combinations of amino acids in varying amounts; or other fluid or material adaptable to be ingested by multiple insect species.

[0116] The agricultural compositions can include a feeding stimulant (also known as a gustatory stimulant) for the insect to be controlled, a 1-arylpyrazole and / or nicotinyl insecticide. Suitable feeding stimulants include: proteins, including animal proteins and plant proteins, e.g. in the form meat meal, fish meal, fish extracts, seafood, seafood extracts, or blood meal, insect parts, crickets powder, yeast extracts, egg yolk, protein hydrolysates, yeast autolysates, gluten hydrolysates, and the like;carbohydrates and hydrogenated carbohydrates, in particular mono- and disaccharides such glucose, arabinose, fructose, mannose, sucrose, lactose, galactose, maltose, maltotriose, maltotetraose, maltopentaose or mixtures thereof such as molasses, corn syrup, maple syrup, invert sugars, and honey; polysaccharides including starch such as potato starch, corn starch, and starch based materials such as cereal powders (e.g. wheat powder, maize powder, malt powder, rice powder, rice bran), pectines, and glycerol, hydrogenated mono- and oligosaccharides (sugar alcohols) such as xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, isomaltolose, trehalose and maltitol as well as maltitolDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT containing syrups; fats and oils, such as vegetable oils, e.g. corn oil, olive oil, caraway oil, linseed oil, canola oil, peanut oil, rape seed oil, sesame oil, soy bean oil, sunflower oil, fats and oils of animal origin such as fish based oil, and also fatty acids derived from the aforementioned fats and oils

[0117] Suitable compatibilizer can be either a non-reactive compatibilizer or a reactive compatibilizer. Specific examples of reactive compatibilizer include, but are not limited to: long chain fatty acids, such as stearic acid (octadecanoic acid); long chain fatty acid chlorides, such as stearoyl chloride (octadecanoyl chloride); long chain fatty acid anhydrides, such as stearic anhydride (octadecanoic anhydride); epoxidized oils and fatty esters; styrene maleic anhydride copolymers; maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene; copolymers of maleic anhydride with olefins and / or acrylic esters, such as terpolymers of ethylene, acrylic ester and maleic anhydride; and copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate with olefins and / or acrylic esters, such as terpolymers of ethylene, acrylic ester, and glycidyl methacrylate.

[0118] Examples of non-reactive compatibilizers include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, block polymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, polyglycerol esters, polysaccharide esters, and sorbitan esters. Examples of ethoxylated alcohols are C11-C15 secondary alcohol ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, and C12-014 natural liner alcohol ethoxylated with ethylene oxide. C11-C15 secondary ethyoxylates can be obtained as Dow Tergitol® 15S from the Dow Chemical Company. Polyoxyethlene cetyl ether and polyoxyethylene stearyl ether can be obtained from ICI Surfactants under the Brij® series of products. C12-C14 natural linear alcohol ethoxylated with ethylene oxide can be obtained from Hoechst Celanese under the Genapol® series of products. Examples of ethoxylated alkylphenols include octylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol and nonylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol. Octylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol can be obtained as Igepal® CA series of products from Rhodia, and nonylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol can be obtained as Igepal CO series of products from Rhodia or as Tergitol® NP from Dow Chemical Company. Ethyoxylated fatty acids include polyethyleneglycol monostearate or monolaruate which can be obtained from Henkel under the Nopalcol® series of products. Block polymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide can be obtained under the Pluronic® series of products from BASF. Polyglycerol esters can be obtained from Stepan under the Drewpol® series of products. Polysaccharide esters can be obtained from Henkel under theDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Glucopon® series of products, which are alkyl polyglucosides. Sorbitan esters can be obtained from ICI under the Tween® series of products.

[0119] The fungicides or bactericides include organic sulfur fungicides or bactericides such as zineb agent, maneb agent, thiram agent, mancozeb agent, polycarbamate agent, propineb agent etc., benzimidazole fungicides or bactericides such as benomyl agent, thiophanate-methyl agent etc., dicarboxylic acid fungicides or bactericides such as iprodione agent, procymidone agent etc., other synthetic fungicides or bactericides such as triazine agent, iminoctadine triacetate agent, isoprothiolane agent, TPN agent, probenazole agent, captan agent, fluoromide agent, DPC agent, and iminoctadine albesilate agent, sterol biosynthesis inhibitors such as triflumizole agent, bitertanol agent, pyrifenox agent, fenarimol agent, triforine agent, triadimefon agent, myclobutanil agent, difenoconazole agent, and imibenconazole agent, acid amide fungicides or bactericides such as metalaxyl agent, and mepronil agent, copper fungicides or bactericides such as inorganic copper agent, and organic copper agent, antibiotic fungicides or bactericides such as streptomycin agent, polyoxin agent, blasticidin S agent, kasugamycin agent, validamycin agent, and oxytetracycline agent, soil fungicides or bactericides such as etridiazole agent, and hymexazol agent, melamine biosynthesis inhibitors such as fthalide agent, carpropamid agent, organic phosphorus fungicides or bactericides such as IBP agent, EDDP agent, and fosetyl agent, inorganic insecticides such as inorganic sulfur agent, and hydrogen carbonate agent, methoxyacrylate fungicides or bactericides such as azoxystrobin, and kresoxim-methyl agent, anilinopyrimidine fungicides or bactericides such as mepanipyrim agent, synthetic antibiotics such as oxolinic acid agent, naturally occurring fungicides or bactericides such as soybean lecithin, and bactericides derived from living things such as antagonistic bactericides.

[0120] In at least one embodiment, the agricultural compositions described herein can comprise one or more anti-freezing agents. Non-limiting examples of anti-freezing agents include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea, glycerin, and combinations thereof.

[0121] Suitable examples of solvent crystallization inhibitors include, but are not limited to, NMP, DMA, DMSO, or PEG. Examples of crystallization preventive agents include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, cyclodextrins, alkylene oxide adduct of glycerin, and the like.

[0122] Defoamers and antifoaming agents are used to reduce the foaming while spraying. These include various defoamers based on silicone defoamers, organo-modified siloxanes, keroseneDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT defoamers, wax defoamers, oil-based deformers such as turkey red oil and fatty acid based defoamers.

[0123] Suitable examples of anti-foaming agents include, but are not limited to, silicone based anti-foaming agents (e.g., aqueous emulsions of dimethyl polysiloxane, FG-10 from Dow- Corning®, Trans 10A from Trans-Chemo Inc.), and non-silicone based anti-foaming agents such as octanol, nonanol, and silica. Examples of the antifoaming agent can include silicone emulsion, silicone oil, acetylene diol, and PO / EO block polymer.

[0124] Suitable examples of colorants or dyes and brighteners include one or more azoic dye, azo dye, acridine, aniline dye, aniline black, indanthrene, eosin, congo red, dihydroindole, methylene blue, phenazine derivative dye, neutral red, phenolphthalein, fuchsin, fluorescein, para red, mauve, carotene; carotenoids such as xanthophylls, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, fucoxanthin, lycopene, lutein; flavonoids such as flavones, flavanones, ants crawl, anthocyans, catechin; quinones such as melanin; porphyrin dye such as chlorophyll, chlorophyllide, bacteriochlorophyll, cytochrome, pheophorbide, Feo porphyrin, hemerythrin, hemoglobin, hemovanadin, hemocyanin, porphyrin, porphine, myoglobin; phycobilin-based pigments such as phycocyanin, phycobilin, phycoerythrin, phytochrome, biliverdin, bilirubin; alizarin, anthocyans, anthraquinone, indigo, urobilin, erythrocruorin, carthamin, hexane cretin Chin, curcumin, crocetin, chlorine, chlorocruorin, genistein, cochineal, Gosshiporu, commelinin, shikonin, Suterukopirin, tannin, Tsurashin, bixin, hypericin, Pin'nagurobin, brazilin, purpurin, betacyanin, berberine, Horubirin, mangosteen (mangostin), Morinjin, laminaran, leghemoglobin, litmus, rhodopsin, rhodoxanthin, Rodomachin, carbon black, and red iron oxide.

[0125] Suitable examples of the various classes of tackifiers include, but are not limited to, aliphatic resins, polyteφene resins, hydrogenated resins, mixed aliphatic- aromatic resins, styrene / α-methylene styrene resins, pure monomer hydrocarbon resin, hydrogenated pure monomer hydrocarbon resin, modified styrene copolymers, pure aromatic monomer copolymers, and hydrogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon resins.

[0126] Suitable examples of suitable binders includes gum arabic, glue, gelatin, casein, starch, cellulose esters, aliphatic polyester, polyalkanoate, aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic polyester, polyesteramide, rosin / polycaprolactone triblock copolymer, rosin / polyadipate second diester triblock copolymer, roin / poly- butanedioic acid second diesterDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT triblock copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, EVA ester, polyethylene co-acrylic acid ethyl ester, polyethylene co-acrylic acid methyl esters, polyethylene-co-propylene, polyethylene-co -1- butylene, polyethylene-co -1- amylenes, polystyrene, acrylic compounds, polyurethane, urethane- styrene polymer dispersion, nonionic polyesters urethane dispersion, acrylic acid dispersion, silanization (silanated) anionic acrylic ester-styrene polymer dispersion, anionic acrylic ester- styrene-acrylonitrile dispersion, Acrylic ester-acrylonitrile dispersion, vinyl pyrrolidone / styrene copolymer latexes are (for example430, produced by ISP chemical companies), the vinylacetate- ethylene dispersion of carboxylated and non-carboxylated, vinyl acetate homopolymer dispersion, polyvinyl chloride emulsion, polyvinylidene fluoride dispersion, ethylene acrylic dispersion, polyamide dispersion, anionic carboxyl or non-carboxylated acrylonitrile nitrile-butadiene-styrene emulsion and acrylonitrile emulsion, by styrene derived resin dispersion, as aliphatic series and / or aromatic hydrocarbon derived from resin dispersion ,styrene maleic anhydride and their mixtures thereof.

[0127] According to an embodiment the binding agent which can be used in the agricultural composition can be selected from a group comprising polyvinyl alcohols, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, lignin derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, polyethoxylated fatty acids, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethylene oxide copolymer, propylene oxide copolymer, polyethylene glycols and polyethylene oxides.

[0128] According to an embodiment the preservative includes but not limited to, aqueous dipropylene glycol solution of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, propionic acid and salt thereof, salicylic acid and salt thereof, 2; 4-hexadienoic acid (sorbic acid) and salt thereof, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, 2-xenol ether and salt thereof, 2-zinc sulfenyl pyridine N-oxides, benzoic acid, its ester and salt, P-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoate), its ester and salt.

[0129] The pH adjuster used in this application is effective for providing an alkaline pH of above about 7 up to about 10 for the final spray solution that is applied to the plants. The pH adjuster may be organic and / or inorganic. Examples of pH adjusters include triethanolamine, primary amino alcohols, ammonium hydroxide and mixtures thereof.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0130] Examples of suitable stabilizers include but are not limited to agar, alginic acid, alginate, calcium lactobionate, carrageenan, gellan gum and guar gum. Compositions of the present invention can also comprise two or more different stabilizing agents.

[0131] Those skilled in the art know that it is possible to utilize other agricultural ingredients known in the art without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0132] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides an agricultural compositionin the form of an aqueous or a non-aqueous composition comprising a capsule suspension, an emulsifiable concentrate, an emulsion for seed treatment, a concentrated aqueous emulsion, a microemulsion, a suspoemulsion, an oil-in-water emulsion, a flowable concentrate for seed treatment, an oil dispersion, a suspension concentrate, a water dispersible granule or a wettable powder.

[0133] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating a vegetation comprising applying an agricultural composition to a plant, plant foliage, blossoms, leaves, stems, fruits, the area adjacent to the plant, soil, seeds, germinating seeds, roots, liquid and solid growth media, flower, bud, and hydroponic growth solutions.

[0134] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating an animal comprising topically applying an agricultural composition to an area of skin of an animal.

[0135] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant that comprises polyol mono-functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether, present in an amount from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.%; from about 10 wt.% to about 15 wt.%; or from about 15 wt.% to about 20 wt.%;or from about 20 wt.% to about 25 wt.%; or from about 25 wt.% to about 30 wt.%; or from about 30 wt.% to about 35 wt.%; or from about 35 wt.% to about 40 wt.%; and that comprises polyol multi-functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether, present in an amount of from about 60 wt.% to about 65 wt.%; or from about 65 wt.% to about 70 wt.%; or from about 70 wt.% to about 75 wt.%; or from about 75 wt.% to about 80 wt.% or from about 80 wt.% to about 85 wt.% or from about 85 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; or from about 90 wt.% to about 95 wt.% ; or from about 95 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.%.

[0136] In another embodiment, the surfactant comprising the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B further comprises the reaction product of: (ii) an aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol,Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT R-(OCHR1CHR2)n-OH; and (iii) 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (EHGE); wherein aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol comprising 1 molar equivalent of hydroxyl groups has reacted with EHGE comprising 1 molar equivalent of epoxy groups to form a mixture of aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol mono-functionalized by EHGE, aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol di-functionalized by EHGE, aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol tri-functionalized by EHGE, aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol tetra- functionalized by EHGE, and aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol penta-functionalized by EHGE and having a generic structure of: R1wherein each C11H22O2unit is,O , wherein eachC11H22O2 unit by a carbon-oxygen single bond; wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to about 20 carbons; wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to about 25; wherein, independently for each repeat unit with R1 and R2, R1 = R2 = H, R1 = H and R2 = CH3, or R1 = CH3 and R2 = H; and wherein a = 1 to 5, comprising aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol mono-functionalized by EHGE, having a = 1; aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol di-functionalized by EHGE, having a = 2; aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol tri-functionalized by EHGE, having a = 3; aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol tetra-functionalized by EHGE, having a = 4; and aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol penta-functionalized by EHGE, having a = 5.

[0137] In another embodiment, the present application discloses that the molecular weight of the aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol is in the range of from about 100 to about 10000 Daltons. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of the aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol is in the range of from about 100 to about 200 Daltons; or from about 200 to about 300 Daltons; or from about 300 to about 400 Daltons; or from about 400 to about 500 Daltons; or from about 500 to about 600Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Daltons; or from about 600 to about 700 Daltons; or from about 700 to about 800 Daltons; or from about 800 to about 900 Daltons; or from about 900 to about 1000 Daltons; or from about 1000 to about 1500 Daltons; or from about 1500 to about 2000 Daltons; or from about 2000 to about 2500 Daltons; or from about 2500 to about 3000 Daltons; or from about 3000 to about 3500 Daltons; or from about 3500 to about 4000 Daltons or from about 4000 to about 4500 Daltons; or from about 4500 to about 5000 Daltons; or from about 5000 to about 5500 Daltons; or from about 5500 to about 6000 Daltons; or from about 6000 to about 6500 Daltons; or from about 6500 to about 7000 Daltons; or from about 7000 to about 7500 Daltons; or from about 7500 to about 8000 Daltons; or from about 8000 to about 9500 Daltons; or from about 9500 to about 10000 Daltons.

[0138] In another embodiment, the present application discloses that, in the agricultural composition comprising surfactant, the surfactant is present in an amount from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.%; or from about 10 wt.% to about 15 wt.%; or from about 15 wt.% to about 20 wt.%; or from about 20 wt.% to about 25 wt.%; from about 25 wt.% to about 30 wt.%; or from about 30 wt.% to about 35 wt.%; or from about 35 wt.% to about 40 wt.%; or from about 40 wt.% to about 45 wt.%; or from about 45 wt.% to about 50 wt.%; or from about 50 wt.% to about 55 wt.%; or from about 55 wt.% to about 60 wt.%; or from about 60 wt.% to about 65 wt.%; or from about 65 wt.% to about 70 wt.%; or from about 70 wt.% to about 75 wt.%; or from about 75 wt.% to about 80 wt.% or from about 80 wt.% to about 85 wt.% or from about 85 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; or from about 90 wt.% to about 95 wt.% ; or from about 95 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0139] In some embodiments, the suitable range of the agricultural active ingredient (B) for the present application can be varied from about 1 wt.% to about 2.5 wt.%; or from about 2.5 wt.% to about 5 wt.%; or from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.%; or 10 wt.% to about 15 wt.%; or from about 15 wt.% to about 20 wt.%; or from about 20 wt.% to about 25 wt.%; or from about 25 wt.% to about 30 wt.%; or from about 30 wt.% to about 35 wt.%; or from about 35 wt.% to about 40 wt.%; or from about 40 wt.% to about 45 wt.%; or from about 45 wt.% to about 50 wt.%; or from about 50 wt.% to about 55 wt.%; or from about 55 wt.% to about 60 wt.%; or from about 60 wt.% to about 65 wt.%; or from about 65 wt.% to about 70 wt.%; .%; or from about 70 wt.% to about 75 wt.%; or from about 75 wt.% to about 80 wt.%; or from about 80 wt.% to about 85 wt.%; or from about 85 wt.% to about 90 wt.% based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0140] In some embodiments, the suitable range of additional ingredient (C) for the present application can be varied from about 1 wt.% to about 2.5 wt.%; or from about 2.5 wt.% to about 5 wt.%; or from about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.%; or 10 wt.% to about 15 wt.%; or from about 15 wt.% to about 20 wt.%; or from about 20 wt.% to about 25 wt.%; or from about 25 wt.% to about 30 wt.%; or from about 30 wt.% to about 35 wt.%; or from about 35 wt.% to about 40 wt.%; or from about 40 wt.% to about 45 wt.%; or from about 45 wt.% to about 50 wt.%; or from about 50 wt.% to about 55 wt.%; or from about 55 wt.% to about 60 wt.%; or from about 60 wt.% to about 65 wt.%; or from about 65 wt.% to about 70 wt.%; or from about 70 wt.% to about 75 wt.%; or from about 75 wt.% to about 80 wt.%; or from about 80 wt.% to about 85 wt.%; or from about 85 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; or from about 90 wt.% to about 95wt.%; or from about 95 wt.% to about 99.9 wt.% based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0141] The reactions and compositions according to the application may be analyzed by known techniques. Especially preferred are the techniques of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), Infra-red (IR), Liquid Chromatography (LC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to decipher identity, residual monomer concentrations, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution.

[0142] Further, certain aspects of the present application are illustrated in detail by way of the following examples. The examples are given herein for illustration of the application and are not intended to be limiting thereof.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT EXAMPLES

[0143] The synthetic scheme reaction of PEG and EHGE O O bHwherein each C11H22O2 unit is independently O O , and wherein eachC11H22O2 unit by a carbon-oxygen single bond, and wherein a + b = 1 to 5 and n = 2 to 90; For the monosubstituted surfactant adduct, a + b = 1. For the disubstituted surfactant adduct, a + b = 2. For the trisubstituted surfactant adduct, a + b = 3. For the tetrasubstituted surfactant adduct, a + b = 4. For the pentasubstituted surfactant adduct, a + b = 5.

[0144] Experimental Procedure 1 (batch procedure): The reaction of PEG and EHGE was run using the following one-pot procedure: Polyethylene glycol, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and potassium hydroxide were combined in a vessel, which was sealed and maintained under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred and heated to 100 °C for 7-19 hours and then cooled to room temperature. The following examples were run using this procedure.

[0145] Example 1: The reaction of PEG 400 (28.50 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (6.64 g), and potassium hydroxide (200 mg) was run for 19 hours at 100 °C following Experimental Procedure 1.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0146] Example 2: The reaction of PEG 400 (11.00 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (20.49 g), and potassium hydroxide (77 mg) was run for 19 hours at 100 °C following Experimental Procedure 1.

[0147] Example 4: The reaction of PEG 300 (111.51 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (138.49 g), and potassium hydroxide (1.043 g) was run for 7 hours at 100 °C following Experimental Procedure 1.

[0148] Experimental Procedure 2 (slow addition procedure): The reaction of PEG and EHGE was run using the following slow-addition procedure: Polyethylene glycol and potassium hydroxide were combined in a vessel, which was sealed and maintained under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred and heated to 100 °C. Once temperature reached 100 °C, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether was slowly added over ~1 hour. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100 °C for 30 minutes and then at 120 °C for 3 to 3.5 hours and then cooled to room temperature. The following examples were run using this procedure.

[0149] Example 3: The reaction of PEG 200 (87.00 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (162.07 g), and potassium hydroxide (1.22 g) was run following Experimental Procedure 2.

[0150] Example 5: The reaction of PEG 400 (520.00 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (484.35 g), and potassium hydroxide (3.65 g) was run following Experimental Procedure 2.

[0151] Example 6: The reaction of PEG 600 (160.00 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (99.35 g), and potassium hydroxide (748 mg) was run following Experimental Procedure 2.

[0152] Example 7: The reaction of PEG 1000 (190.00 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (70.79 g), and potassium hydroxide (533 mg) was run following Experimental Procedure 2.

[0153] Example 8: The reaction of PEG 2000 (210.50 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (39.21 g), and potassium hydroxide (398 mg) was run following Experimental Procedure 2.

[0154] Example 9: The reaction of PEG 4000 (228.50 g), 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether (21.28 g), and potassium hydroxide (396 mg) was run following Experimental Procedure 2.

[0155] LCMS: LCMS was used to separate mixtures of substituted PEGs, and to determine the relative abundance of PEGs with varying degrees of substitution. Peaks corresponding to unsubstituted PEG, monosubstituted PEG, disubstituted PEG, trisubstituted PEG and tetrasubstituted PEG were well resolved by HPLC and were thus reliably integrated.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0156] Procedure: About 0.1 g of each sample was combined with 10 mL of methanol and vortexed until the resulting stock solution was homogenous. For LCMS analysis, 100 μL of stock solution was diluted with 900 μL of methanol, and the resulting solution was injected directly into the system. LCMS analyses were performed on an Agilent 6520 QTOF LC / MS with Agilent 1260 HPLC and MassHunter software. HPLC Conditions: Column Agilent Poroshell-120 SB-C18 2.1x75mm, 2.7µm Mobile phase A 10 mM ammonium acetate in water Mobile phase B 10 mM ammonium acetate in methanol GradientTime%A %B (min) 0 90 10 50 0 100 60 90 10 Post run time 15 min Flow rate 0.25 mL / min Column 40 ˚C temperature Injection volume 2 µLDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT MS Conditions: Ion source ESI Polarity Positive Acquisition mode MS1 Drying gas temperature 300 ˚C Drying gas flow 10 L / min Fragmentor 100 V Nebulizer 40 psig Capillary voltage 4000 V Start mass 75 End mass 1500

[0157] Table 1 lists the product distributions determined for the reaction products of Examples 1- 7. Table I: Product Distribution of Substituted PEGs Determined by LCMS, Area % Example No. unsubstituted monosubstituted disubstituted trisubstituted tetrasubstituted 1 35 48 15 2 0 2 0 4 30 54 12 3 1 28 39 31 0 4 3 33 36 28 0 5 5 37 29 20 10 6 5 33 30 23 10 7 9.9 38.4 26.7 17.1 7.9Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Contact angle, static and dynamic surface tension, and foaming measurements of surfactants:

[0158] Solution Preparation: Aqueous solutions of surfactants were prepared by combining 1 g of adduct with 999 g of DI water (filtered by Millipore-Q, pH 6.3 to 6.7) at room temperature. The resulting solution was mixed using a magnetic stirrer for 24 hours before further measurement. The solution pH values for select samples were measured to be 7.4.

[0159] Contact angle measurements: Clear, self-adhesive, 0.002-inch-thick polypropylene film (McMaster-Carr # 5577149-01) was used as the substrate to measure the contact angle of 0.1 wt% aqueous solutions of surfactants.

[0160] Drop Shape Analysis System DSA 305 from Kruss was used to determine contact angle values between a sample drop and polypropylene surface. Sample drops were dispensed automatically using a disposable 1-mL syringe. The contact angle of each drop was determined automatically by the instrument fitting model software (Kruss Advance Drop Shape V 1.5.1) and recorded every second over a 30-second period. Multiple drops were placed at sufficient distances on the pre-cleaned polypropylene surface, and results are reported as average values. At least 6 drops were analyzed for each sample. All measurements were carried out at ambient temperature and relative humidity.

[0161] Static surface tension measurements: Static surface tension values of freshly mixed 0.1 wt% aqueous solutions of surfactants were measured at room temperature using force tensiometry (Attension, Biolin Scientific) with Wilhelmy Plate method based on the instrument company recommendations (in compliance with ASTM D1331-20). Three surface tension measurements were recorded for each sample, and average values are reported. The Wilhelmy plate was rinsed and pyrolyzed with flame before every measurement. Calibration of the equipment was checked by measuring the surface tension of DI water at the beginning of measurements.

[0162] Dynamic surface tension measurements: A bubble pressure tensiometer (Kruss, model BP2) was used to measure the dynamic surface tension of freshly mixed 0.1 wt% aqueous solutions of surfactants between 10 and 100,000 millisecond surface age, utilizing a 0.256 mm-diameter, hydrophobically coated, glass capillary. The capillary was cleaned between samples with detergentDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT solution and rinsed with DI water before drying with Kimwipes. Calibration of the equipment was checked by measuring the surface tension of DI water before experimental measurements.

[0163] Foaming index determination: A SITA Messtechnik foam tester R-2000 was used to evaluate foaming behavior of the surfactants. Approximately 900 mL of freshly mixed 0.1 wt% solution was filled in the instrument reservoir and the test parameters were entered using the instrument software. Each sample was tested 3 times at room temperature. For foam build up, 250 mL of solution was filled in the cylindrical glass vessel and mixed with a bottom propeller for 10 seconds at 800 rpm. After mixing cycle, the foam height formed above the liquid was measured by the conductive probes of the instrument and foam volume was recorded in mL by the instrument software. This step was repeated 30 times and cumulative foam build-up was recorded for 30 consecutive mixing steps. After completing three runs for each sample, the average foam volume for each mixing step was calculated. The foaming index is defined as the total foam volume at the end of 30-mixing steps and was calculated by summing the average values of foam volumes for each mixing step using Excel software (Table II).Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Table II: Contact Angle, Static and Dynamic Surface Tension, and Foaming Measurements Dynami c Conta Dynamic Static Foa Dynamic Surface ct Contact Surface Surface min Surface Tension Example Angle Angle Tension Tension g Tension @ @ No. on PP on PP at @ 50 (dynes / Ind 5,000 ms 100,000 at 30s 0s (deg.) ms(dynes cm) ex (dynes / cm) ms (deg.) / cm) (dynes / c m) 1 27 134 39 52 57 37 29 2 27 0.2 42 53 62.4 27.8 27.4 3 28 1 42 52 60 31 28.5 4 28 10 36 46 55.7 28.2 28.7 5 28 13 37 48 52 31.3 29.7 6 28 34 41 52 47.3 32.9 29.7 7 27 66 39 51 50.9 30.3 27.6 8 29 141 54 64 56 43 35 9 33 144 64 71 59 50 43 Control C1 26 129 32 46 36 27 27 Control C2 30 145 48 59 50 41 35 *PP = Polypropylene *Control C1 = Lutensol® XP80Examples in Agricultural applications

[0164] Example: Particle size reduction of spray droplets: Particle size analysis was conducted using 1% concentrations of the surfactant in solution. 1L of prepared solution is loaded into the spray chamber containing test solution and then pressurized in the spray chamber to 40 PSI. Pressurized test solutions were sprayed vertically downwards through a Teejet 11004 nozzle mounted on a horizontal traverse system at selected psi. The spray drop size distribution was measured using a Malvern Spraytec Laser Diffraction particle analyzer equipped with a R7 lens (2 – 2500 m detection range). Drop size measurements were carried out at distance of 12 inches vertically below the nozzle height with the nozzle traversing @ 2.4 inches / s enabling measurement throughout the entire spray fan.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Table 3: Spray droplet particle size evaluation in water: surfactant concentration 1% by wt. Sample %<105 um SPAN Di water 4.58 1.46 Surfactant of example 5 1.59 1.28 Surfactant of example 4 1.66 1.28 Surfactant of example 8 5.5 1.56 Agrimer M-DCA 1.473 1.222 Ecosurf EH-9 7.01 1.69 Table 4: Spray droplet particle size evaluation in commercial glyphosate preparation, herbicide prepared at 6.0 fl. Oz. / gallon, surfactant added at 1.0% in the preparation. Sample %<105 um SPAN Commercial Glyphosate Herbicide 2.82 1.51 Commercial Glyphosate Herbicide & Easywet 300N 2.46 1.44 Commercial Glyphosate Herbicide & organosilicone surfactant 3.2 1.59 Commercial Glyphosate Herbicide & acetylenic diol surfactant 3.1 1.5 Commercial Glyphosate Herbicide & octophenyl ethoxalate surfactant 2.97 1.49 Commercial Glyphosate Herbicide & alchohol ethoxylate surfactant 2.96 1.48

[0165] Example: Preparation with commercial Suspension Concentrate (SC) herbicide: A commercially available suspension concentrate herbicide formulation was diluted in DI water at 1% concentration w / w. 1.0 mL of suspension concentrate herbicide product was then added to 998.5 g of DI water, to which 0.5 g of surfactant of example 5 added. This preparation was mixed well using an overhead mixer at 40 rpm for 10 minutes. This preparation was evaluated using the Drave’s Wetting test and Spreadability on parafilm.

[0166] Drave’s Wetting: ASTM D2281-68(2005) Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Wetting Agents by the Skein Test.

[0167] Skeins of wool attached to a small weight by a strand of cotton thread are submerged in a 1000mL graduated cylinder containing a solution of the wetting agent being tested at concentrations between 0.001 - 1.00 wt%. Time is measured from the point at which the skein is first submerged until a visual assessment is made indicating the tension from the cotton thread isDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT released, meaning the wool is fully wetted. Shorter time intervals indicate superior wetting performance.

[0168] Spreadability: 2mL of solution containing the wetting agent being tested at concentrations between 0.001 - 1.00 wt% are dropped on to 2.5 sq. inch piece of Parafilm and the area of the spread pattern is qualitatively measured using grid-lined paper. Table 5: Spreadability Surfactant of Commercial Commercial Test Item Example 5 herbicide-1 herbicide-2 Drave’s Wetting * 10 13 108 Spread Area** 135 71 99 Stastic Surface Tension*** 32 55.6 50.2 Dynamic Contact Angle**** 44 56 64 * Drave Test: in the 500 ppm surfactant concentration ** Spread Test: 1% formulation; 0.5% surfactant concentration on parafilm; spread area count on grid paper *** 0.005% surfactant concentration, units in mN / m

[0169] Example A: Wetter / spreader Adjuvant:

[0170] The primary purpose of a wetter / spreader is to reduce the surface tension of the agrochemical to increase coverage on the plant surface, including leaves, stems and roots. These surfactants are usually formulated with a solvent (alcohol), a defoamer (dimethylpolysiloxane), and water. Table 6: Wetter / Spreader Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 20-90 Butyl Alcohol 10-40 Dimethylpolysiloxane 1-10 Water 1-10

[0171] Example B: Silicone based wetter / spreader:

[0172] Commonly referred to as organo-silicones, a silicone-based wetter / spreader contains a polysiloxane chain blended with a non-ionic surfactant. This product enhances spreading of the agrochemical product and increases absorption / uptake into the plant, reducing the time between application and rainfall or irrigation.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Table 7: Silicone Based Wetter / Spreader Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 10-90 Dimethylpolysiloxane 10-90 Propylene Glycol 1-5 Water 1-5

[0173] Example C: Sticker / Spreader Adjuvant:

[0174] By reducing the evaporation or by increasing adhesion of the agrochemical product or both, a sticker functionality as well as wetter-spreader functionality can be obtained. Table 8: Sticker / Spreader Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 10-50 Pinolene Resin 10-50 Solvent naptha (petroleum), light aromatic 1-5

[0175] Example D: Oil Based Adjuvant Blend:

[0176] Oil based adjuvants are effective at increasing pesticide absorption through plant tissues while also increasing wetter-spreader with the addition of a non-ionic surfactant. Table 9: Oil Based Adjuvant Blend Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 10-50 Methylated soybean oil 20-80

[0177] Example E: Crop Oil Adjuvant:

[0178] A paraffin-based petroleum oil is generally blended with a small amount of surfactant to emulsify and increase the penetration of the pesticide spray. Table 10: Crop Oil Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 1-10 Paraffinic oil 90-99

[0179] Example F: Crop Oil Concentrate:Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0180] A paraffin- based petroleum oil is blended with a non-ionic surfactant to enhance absorption and spread of the agrichemical formulation. Table 11: Crop Oil Concentrate Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 10-40 Paraffinic oil 20-80

[0181] Example G: Suspension Concentrate (SC):

[0182] Preparation: Homogeneously mix the surfactant of example 5, PVP / MVE-MAHE copolymer, polyethylene glycol and dimethylpolysiloxane, then slowly feed into a bead mill grinding device to achieve the suitable slurry particle size. Add Xanthan Gum and mix at >400 rpm via overhead mixer until hydrated to adjust the product’s viscosity. Table 12: Suspension Concentrate Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 1-15 Composite of PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) and MVE- MAHE (Methyl Vinyl Ether / Maleic Acid Half Ester 1-5 Polyehtylene glycol 1-5 Dimethypolysiloxane 0.1-1 Xanthan Gum 0.1-3

[0183] Example H: Emulsifiable Concentration:

[0184] Preparation: Combine surfactant of example 5 and NMP with adequate agitation via propellor blade overhead mixer. Table 13: Emulsifiable Concentrate Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 2-20 NMP 10-50

[0185] Example I: Oil Dispersion:

[0186] Preparation: Homogeneously mix the surfactant of example 5, Attipulgite, PVP / MVE- MAHE copolymer in Paraffinic Oil, then slowly feed into a bead mill grinding device to achieve the suitable slurry particle size.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Table 14: Oil Dispersion Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 51-15 Composite of PVP (polyvinyl MAHE (Methyl Vinyl Ether / Maleic Acid Half Ester 1-5 Attipulgite 1-5 Paraffinic Oil 20-60

[0187] Example J: Wettable Powder (WP):

[0188] Preparation: Thoroughly combine ingredients in a high shear blender. Mill blended ingredients in appropriate milling equipment to reach an adequate particle size. Table 15: Wettable Powder Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 1-10 Composite of PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) and MVE- MAHE (Methyl Vinyl Ether / Maleic Acid Half Ester 1-5 Polyvinyl Alcohol 1-5 Cellulose 20-80

[0189] Example K: Water Dispersible Granule:

[0190] Preparation: Thoroughly combine ingredients in a high shear blender. Mill blended ingredients in appropriate milling equipment to reach an adequate particle size. Add a small amount of water to the blended powder using an overhead mixer until a dough-like consistency is achieved. Extrude the mixture through a granulator with the appropriate screen size to obtain the desired granule size and dry overnight at 50°C. Table 16: Water Dispersible Granule Adjuvant Ingredients Wt. % Surfactant of Example 5 1-10 Composite of PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) and MVE- MAHE (Methyl Vinyl Ether / Maleic Acid Half Ester 1-5 Bentonite 1-5 Cellulose 1-10

[0191] Example L: Fertilizer-based Flowable Concentrate Formula for Seed Coating:Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT

[0192] Preparation: Combine ingredients in Phase A with adequate overhead mixing and increase mixing speed to ensuring that Zinc Oxide is fully dispersed. In a separate vessel, create a slurry by mixing ingredients of Phase B. Add Phase B to Phase A and mix until the viscosity is increased. Table 17: Flowable Concentrate Formulation containing Fertilizer and surfactant of example 5 Ingredient Wt. % Phase A Water 53.42 Ammonium Sulfate 3.0 Phosphorous Pentoxide 6.0 Potassium Oxide 3.0 Sodium Molybdate 0.26 14% ZnEDTA 3.33 Pigment 2.67 Surfactant of Example 5 0.83 Biocide 0.24 Styrene Methacrylate copolymer 5.0 Zinc Oxide 10.0 Phase B Xanthan Gum 0.25 Propylene Glycol 12.0 Total 100

[0193] Example M: Fungicide-based Flowable Concentrate Formula for Seed Coating:

[0194] Preparation: Add Tebuconazole to water and mill to the desired particle size, approx. 5 microns, using a bead mill or similar equipment. Transfer mixture to overhead mixer and add remaining ingredients to Phase A with adequate overhead mixing and increase mixing speed to ensuring that Zinc Oxide is fully dispersed. In a separate vessel, create a slurry by mixing ingredients of Phase B. Add Phase B to Phase A and mix until the viscosity is increased. Table 18: Flowable Concentrate Formulation containing Fungicide and surfactant of example 5 Ingredient Wt. % Phase A Tebucanozole 15.59 Water 53.42 Surfactant of Example 0.83 Biocide 0.24 Styrene Methacrylate Copolymer 5.0Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT Zinc Oxide 10.0 Pigment 2.67 Phase B Xanthan Gum 0.25 Propylene Glycol 12.0 Total 100

[0195] Example N: Livestock Applications:

[0196] Wetting agents could also be used in livestock applications, for wetting and spreading of insecticides for treating pests on livestock. For example, a formulation for an insecticide for livestock could include 1-10% by weight of the insecticide active ingredient, 90-99% by weight of a carrier such as water, oil such as mineral oil or vegetable oil, and 1-5% by weight of the surfactant adjuvant. The specific concentrations will depend on the properties of the insecticide and oil, as well as the target application and type of livestock.

[0197] Preparation: Homogeneously mix the Cypermethrin and surfactant of example 5 in water, then slowly feed into a bead mill grinding device to achieve the suitable slurry particle size. Table 19: Livestock Composition Ingredients Wt. % Cypermethrin 1-10 Water90-99Surfactant of Example 5 1-5

Claims

Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT We Claim 1. An agricultural composition comprising a surfactant that comprises a reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group.

2. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises the reaction product of: (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group.

3. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2, respectively.

4. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 2, wherein the reaction product further comprises the reaction product of (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; and (iii) reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol.

5. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 4, wherein reactant C has a weight average molecular weight of from about 100 to about 10000.

6. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 1, wherein the aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is a polyalkylene glycol.

7. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 6, wherein the polyalkylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 100, polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 500, polyethylene glycolDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT 600, polyethylene glycol 700, polyethylene glycol 800, polyethylene glycol 900, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 1100, polyethylene glycol 1200, polyethylene glycol 1300, polyethylene glycol 1400, polyethylene glycol 1500, polyethylene glycol 1600, polyethylene glycol 1700, polyethylene glycol 1800, polyethylene glycol 1900, polyethylene glycol 2000, polyethylene glycol 2100, polyethylene glycol 2200, polyethylene glycol 2300, polyethylene glycol 2400, polyethylene glycol 2500, polyethylene glycol 2600, polyethylene glycol 2700, polyethylene glycol 2800, polyethylene glycol 2900, polyethylene glycol 3000, polyethylene glycol 3100, polyethylene glycol 3200, polyethylene glycol 3300, polyethylene glycol 3400, polyethylene glycol 3500, polyethylene glycol 3600, polyethylene glycol 3700, polyethylene glycol 3800, polyethylene glycol 3900, polyethylene glycol 4000, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol 425, and EO / PO block copolymers, such as Makon® L and Makon® R series polymers from Stepan and Pluronic® polymers from BASF.

8. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is an alkyl glycidyl ether or allyl glycidyl ether.

9. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 8, wherein the alkyl glycidyl ether is selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, n-butyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, 2-hexyldecyl glycidyl ether, 2-octyldodecyl glycidyl ether, 2-heptylundecyl glycidyl ether, 2-(1,3,3-trimethylbutyl) octyl glycidyl ether, 2- decyltetradecyl glycidyl ether, 2-dodecylhexadecyl glycidyl ether, and 2-tetradecyloctadecyl glycidyl ether.

10. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 8, wherein the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether.

11. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 1, wherein the reaction product comprises a mixture of mono-functionalized aliphatic hydrophilic polyols and multi-functionalized aliphatic hydrophilic polyols.

12. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 11, wherein the reaction product comprises a mixture of aliphatic hydrophilic polyols mono-Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether and aliphatic hydrophilic polyols multi-functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether.

13. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 12, wherein the reaction product comprises: (i) from about 0.05 % to about 40.0 % of aliphatic hydrophilic polyols mono-functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether; and (ii) from about 60.0 % to about 99.95 % of aliphatic hydrophilic polyols multi- functionalized by alkyl glycidyl ether.

14. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 1, wherein the aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyethylene glycol and the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2, respectively.

15. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 14, wherein the aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyethylene glycol and the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 1:1, respectively.

16. An agricultural composition comprising a surfactant that comprises a reaction product of: (i) reactant A: a polyethylene glycol; and (ii) reactant B: 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in the polyethylene glycol to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether is about 1:1; the reaction product comprises a mixture of polyethylene glycols mono-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, polyethylene glycols di-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, polyethylene glycols tri- functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, polyethylene glycols tetra-functionalized by 2-Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and polyethylene glycols penta-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether; and wherein the reaction product has the following generic structure: O H(C11H22O2)a O Q OnnO(C11H22O2)bHm , wherein eachO O O O , wherein each C11H22O2unit by a carbon-oxygen wherein the sum of all ns is an integer ranging from 1 to about 90; m is an integer ranging from 1 to 7; a and b are integers, the sum of which ranges from 1 to about 5; and Q is an (m + 1)-valent alkylene group comprising two to twenty carbon atoms, optionally branched, optionally substituted, and optionally containing ether, oxa or aza moieties.

17. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 16, wherein Q = -CH2CH2- and m = 1, and wherein the surfactant comprises: polyethylene glycols mono-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 1; polyethylene glycols di-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 2; polyethylene glycols tri-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 3; polyethylene glycols tetra-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 4; and polyethylene glycols penta-functionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, having a + b = 5.

18. The agricultural composition according to claim 16, comprising the surfactant that comprises the reaction product represented by the following structure: O(H O HH(C11H22O2)a OC11 22 2)bwherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to about 90 and a and b are integers, the sum of which ranges from 1 to about 5.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT 19. The agricultural composition according to claim 16, comprising the surfactant that comprises the reaction product represented by the following structure: OH O wherein n is an integer20. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 4, wherein reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol, has the structure set out below: R1wherein R is a linear or branchedfrom 1 to about 20 carbons; n≥ 1; and, for each repeat unit, independently, R1= R2= H, R1= H and R2= CH3, or R1= CH3and R2= H.

21. The agricultural composition comprising the surfactant according to claim 20, wherein the aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol is selected from the group consisting of C6-20alcohol ethoxylates having from 3 to about 225 ethoxylate units.

22. An agricultural composition comprising: (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT 23. The agricultural composition according to claim 22 that further comprises (B) from about 1.

0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

24. The agricultural composition according to claim 23, wherein the additional ingredient is an adjuvant or an inert ingredient.

25. The agricultural composition according to claim 24, wherein the adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of acidifying agents, buffering agents, anti-foam agents, defoaming agents, anti-transpirants, dyes and brighteners, compatibility agents, crop oil concentrates, deposition agents, drift reduction agents, foam markers, feeding stimulants, herbicide safeners, spreaders, extenders, adhesive agents, suspension agents, gelling agents, synergists, wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersing agents, penetrants, tank and equipment cleaners, neutralizers, water absorbents, water softeners and mixtures thereof.

26. The agricultural composition according to claim 24, wherein the additional ingredient is selected from the group consisting of solvents, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, compatibilizers, anti-freezing agents, crystallization inhibitors, colorants, tackifiers, binders, preservatives, pH adjuster, clarifiers, stabilizers, UV stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

27. The agricultural composition according to claim 22, where in the agricultural composition is an adjuvant composition, a fertilizer composition, a nutrient composition, a plant strengthener composition, a seed coating composition, a soil conditioner composition, a livestock composition, a granular composition, a controlled release composition, a film coating composition, a pesticide composition selected from the group consisting of ovicide, rodenticide, insecticide, miticide, algicide, molluscicide, acaricide, avicide, fungicide and herbicide compositions, a germicide composition, an antibiotic composition, an antibacterial composition, an antiviral composition, an antifungal composition, an antiprotozoal composition, an anti-parasite composition, a wood preservation composition, an antimicrobial composition or a yield enhancer composition to soil for the plant.

28. The agricultural composition according to claim 22, wherein the agricultural composition is in the form of an aqueous or a non-aqueous composition comprising a capsuleDocket No.: HER 12296-3PCT suspension; an emulsion selected from the group consisting of an emulsifiable concentrate, an emulsion for seed treatment, a concentrated aqueous emulsion , a microemulsion, a suspoemulsion, an oil-in-water emulsion, and a flowable concentrate for seed treatment; an oil dispersion, a suspension concentrate, a water dispersible granule or a wettable powder .

29. The agricultural composition according to claim 22, wherein the agricultural composition is formulated as a liquid, a gel, a paste, a powder, a granule, a tablet, an emulsion, or a pellet.

30. A method for treating vegetation comprising applying an agricultural composition of claim 22 to a plant, plant foliage, blossoms, leaves, stems, fruits, the area adjacent to a plant, soil, seeds, germinating seeds, roots, liquid and solid growth media, flower, bud, or hydroponic growth solutions.

31. A method of treating an animal comprising topically applying an agricultural composition of claim 22 to an area of skin of an animal.

32. An agricultural composition comprising: (A) from about 5.0 wt.% to about 99.5 wt.% of a surfactant comprising (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; wherein the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol; and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group; 33. The agricultural composition according to claim 32 that further comprises (B) from about 1.

0. to about 90.0 wt. % of one or more agriculturally active ingredient; and (C) from about 1 to about 99.0 wt. % of one or more additional ingredient.

34. The agricultural composition according to claim 33, wherein the additional ingredient is an adjuvant or an inert ingredient.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT 35. The agricultural composition according to claim 34, wherein the adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of acidifying agents, buffering agents, anti-foam agents, defoaming agents, anti-transpirants, dyes and brighteners, compatibility agents, crop oil concentrates, deposition agents, drift reduction agents, foam markers, feeding stimulants, herbicide safeners, spreaders, extenders, adhesive agents, suspension agents, gelling agents, synergists, wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersing agents, penetrants, tank and equipment cleaners, neutralizers, water absorbents, water softeners and mixtures thereof.

36. The agricultural composition according to claim 34, wherein the additional ingredient is selected from the group consisting of solvents, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, compatibilizers, anti-freezing agents, crystallization inhibitors, colorants, tackifiers, binders, preservatives, pH adjuster, clarifiers, stabilizers, UV stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

37. The agricultural composition according to claim 32, wherein the agricultural composition is an adjuvant composition, a fertilizer composition, a nutrient composition, a plant strengthener composition, a seed coating composition, a soil conditioner composition, a livestock composition, a granular composition, a controlled release composition, a film coating composition, a pesticide composition selected from the group consisting of ovicide, rodenticide, insecticide, miticide, algicide, molluscicide, acaricide, avicide, fungicide and herbicide compositions, a germicide composition, an antibiotic composition, an antibacterial composition, an antiviral composition, an antifungal composition, an antiprotozoal composition, an anti-parasite composition, a wood preservation composition, an antimicrobial composition or a yield enhancer composition to soil for the plant.

38. The agricultural composition according to claim 32, wherein the agricultural composition is in the form of an aqueous or a non-aqueous composition comprising a capsule suspension; an emulsion selected from the group consisting of an emulsifiable concentrate, an emulsion for seed treatment, a concentrated aqueous emulsion , a microemulsion, a suspoemulsion, an oil-in-water emulsion, and a flowable concentrate for seed treatment; an oil dispersion, a suspension concentrate, a water dispersible granule or a wettable powder.Docket No.: HER 12296-3PCT 39. The agricultural composition according to claim 32, wherein the agricultural composition is formulated as a liquid, a gel, a paste, a powder, a granule, a tablet, an emulsion, or a pellet.

40. A method for treating vegetation comprising applying an agricultural composition of claim 32 to a plant, plant foliage, blossoms, leaves, stems, fruits, the area adjacent to a plant, soil, seeds, germinating seeds, roots, liquid and solid growth media, flower, bud, or hydroponic growth solutions.

41. A method of treating an animal comprising topically applying an agricultural composition of claim 32 to an area of skin of an animal.

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