Herbicide safener combinations and compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to herbicide safener combinations for effective control of weeds and reduction of phytotoxicity in crops. The present invention further relates to a method of controlling weeds and reducing phytotoxicity in crops.

Description

[0001] HERBICIDE SAFENER COMBINATIONS AND COMPOSITIONS

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to herbicide safener combinations for effective control of weeds and reduction of phytotoxicity in crops. The present invention further relates to a method of controlling weeds and reducing phytotoxicity in crops.

[0004] Background

[0005] Napropamide is an aryloxyalkanamide herbicide for selective pre-emergence control of germinating weeds. Napropamide [N,N-diethyl-2-(1 -naphthalenyloxy)propanamide], (Formula I) is a highly effective broad-spectrum acetamide herbicide, and is widely used for weeding out most annual monocotyledon and broadleaf weeds in many agricultural cultivations. However, extensive use of the herbicide has led to its accumulation in ecosystems, thus causing crop toxicity and reducing crop production and quality.

[0006] Napropamide contains a chiral carbon atom and hence napropamide exists in two stereo-isomeric forms, one form being the D-isomer (D-napropamide), also known as the (R)-isomer, and the other form being the L-isomer (L-napropamide), also known as the (S)-isomer.

[0007] The D-isomer, D-napropamide, is also referred to as Napropamide-M, and its structure is as shown below. Napropamide-M can be prepared by any suitable method known in the art, such as the method disclosed in publication W02009 / 004642.

[0008] Unless otherwise stated, and as discussed further below, the term “napropamide” as used herein refers to N,N-diethyl-2-(a-naphthoxy) propionamide or an isomer thereof, or a mixture of such isomers. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated or otherwise clear from the context, the term napropamide may refer to a mixture of D-napropamide and L-napropamide. The mixture may for example be a racemic mixture (i.e., 1 :1 mixture of D-napropamide and L-napropamide). The term napropamide also embraces pure isomers of N,N-diethyl-2-(a-naphthoxy) propionamide including, for example, D-napropamide.

[0009] Napropamide is polar and slightly soluble in water. Commercial napropamide can conveniently penetrate tissues of organisms and the soil layer. Enantioselective degradation of napropamide in soil, cucumber, cabbage, rape and tomato has also been reported, and the results have showed the degradation of napropamide enantiomers was nearly not enantioselective.

[0010] Due to the long half-life of napropamide, approximately 70 days, residues of napropamide in soil are likely to affect the growth of succeeding crops. Field studies have shown that the half-life of napropamide ranges from 34 days to over 2 years depending on the field conditions. Besides, its property of moderate adsorption / desorption in soil also causes napropamide to be translocated in soil and causes leaching, thus resulting in contamination of water bodies.

[0011] Herbicide safeners are compounds having diverse chemical families. They are applied with herbicides to protect crops against injury. Herbicides cause phytotoxicity when they are used in a higher dose than recommended, improper application methods, and when applied at wrong stages of crop growth. Certain herbicidal compounds can produce phytotoxic vapor during and after spray, thus contaminating sensitive crops and natural vegetation. Other instances of unwanted effects of herbicides on crops are lesser plant height or lesser number of plants standing after herbicidal treatments.

[0012] Using chemical safeners offer practical, efficient and simple methods of improving herbicide selectivity. Therefore, the practice being used presently is the application of safeners along with herbicides to protect crop plants from herbicide injury.

[0013] Herbicide safeners are chemical agents that reduce the phytotoxicity of herbicides to crop plants without affecting the weed-control efficacy. However, it is pertinent to note that not all safeners have the desired beneficial effect of reduction in phytotoxicity with corresponding herbicides. Therefore, the challenges of identifying suitable herbicide-safener combinations and compositions that work efficiently to reduce phytotoxicity in crop plants and control weeds are persistent.

[0014] Summary of the disclosure

[0015] The present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers and a safener.

[0016] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide, an additional herbicide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0019] The present invention further relates to a herbicide safener composition comprising napropamide, a safener and an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0020] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener composition comprising napropamide, mefenpyr or its salts or esters and an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener composition comprising napropamide-M, mefenpyr or its salts or esters and an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0022] The present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and a safener.

[0023] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds comprising applying a herbicide safener combination / composition comprising napropamide or its isomers and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0024] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds comprising applying a herbicide safener combination / compositions comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0025] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and a safener. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0027] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide, an additional herbicide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M, an additional herbicide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0029] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of effectively controlling weeds comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0030] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of effectively controlling weeds comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0031] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of effectively controlling weeds comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide, an additional herbicide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0032] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of effectively controlling weeds comprising applying a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M, an additional herbicide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0033] The present invention relates to the use of a herbicide combination comprising napropamide and a safener for controlling weeds and reducing phytotoxicity in crops.

[0034] In an aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a herbicide combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr or its salts or esters for controlling weeds and reducing phytotoxicity in crops. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a herbicide combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr or its salts or esters for controlling weeds and reducing phytotoxicity in crops.

[0035] In one more aspect, the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising napropamide, optionally an additional herbicide and a safener.

[0036] Detailed description

[0037] The present disclosure now will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying examples, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This description is not intended to be a detailed catalogue of all the different ways in which the disclosure may be implemented, or all the features that may be added to the instant disclosure. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. Thus, the disclosure contemplates that in some embodiments of the disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein can be excluded or omitted. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant disclosure. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the disclosure, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

[0039] “About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 10% or ± 5% of the stated value.

[0040] Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. As used herein, all numerical values or numerical ranges include integers within such ranges and fractions of the values or the integers within ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of 90-100%, includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1 %, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1 %, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc., and so forth. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0041] The use of the terms “a”, “an” and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc., as used herein are not meant to denote any particular ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers.

[0042] The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. “About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±10% or ±5% of the stated value.

[0043] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

[0044] While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0045] The expression of various quantities in terms of “%” or “% w / v” means the percentage by weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.

[0046] The term ‘herbicide’ as used herein denotes a compound which controls or modifies the growth of undesired weeds / plants.

[0047] The term “napropamide” as used herein refers to N,N-diethyl-2-(a-naphthoxy) propionamide or an isomer thereof, or a mixture of such isomers. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated or otherwise clear from the context, the term napropamide may refer to a mixture of D-napropamide and L- napropamide. The mixture may for example be a racemic mixture, i.e., 1 :1 mixture of D- napropamide and L-napropamide.

[0048] In this specification, the terms Napropamide-M and D-Napropamide are used interchangeably.

[0049] The term ‘herbicidally effective amount’ indicates the quantity of such a compound or combination of such compounds which can control or modify the effect on the growth of harmful plants / undesired vegetation / weeds. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, leaf burn, albinism, dwarfism, etc.

[0050] The term ‘plants’ refer to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage and fruits.

[0051] The term ‘crop’ shall include a multitude of desired crop plants or an individual crop plant growing at a locus.

[0052] As used herein, the term ‘pre-emergence’ refers to the time point before weed seedlings emerge from the ground. When any herbicide is applied at pre-emergence stage, it prevents establishment of the germinated weed seedlings.

[0053] The terms ‘undesirable vegetation’, ‘harmful plants’, ‘unwanted plants’, ‘weeds’ and ‘weed species’, as used herein, are synonyms. The term ‘phytotoxicity’ is defined as a delay of seed germination, inhibition of plant growth or any adverse effect on plants caused by specific compounds, i.e. herbicides and by growing conditions.

[0054] The term ‘control’ includes control or eradication of the weed, as well as protecting a plant, a portion of the plant, or a plant seed from invasion by said weed. The term control includes all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, leaf burn, albinism, dwarfism, etc. A 100% control signifies total eradication of the weed(s) under investigation.

[0055] The term ‘locus’ as used herein shall denote the vicinity of a desired crop in which weed control, typically selective weed control, of dicotyledonous weeds is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein the weed infestation has either emerged or is yet to emerge.

[0056] The present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and a safener.

[0057] Napropamide is a highly effective broad-spectrum acetamide herbicide, and is used for preemergence control of annual grasses, monocotyledon and broad-leaved weeds in many crops. In view of its long half-life, remnants of napropamide in soil is likely to affect the growth of succeeding crops. Moreover, its moderate desorption in soil causes napropamide to be translocated in soil and causes leaching, thus resulting in contamination of water bodies, (-)-napropamide, (+)- napropamide and rac-napropamide (racemate) have been established to have toxic effects on vegetation. Therefore, the present inventors have provided a herbicide combination comprising napropamide and a safener that is not phytotoxic to crops and vegetation, but is effective in weed control.

[0058] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers as the herbicidal component and a safener.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicidal component comprises napropamide.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicidal component comprises napropamide-M.

[0061] In an embodiment, the safeners are selected from one or more comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters, sulfonium or ammonium cation of mefenpyr, mefenpyr-diethyl, benoxacor, cloquintocet, cloquintocet-mexyl, dichlormid, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen-ethyl, an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and oxabetrinil.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the safener comprises mefenpyr or its salts or esters. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide or its isomers, and b) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, and b) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M, and b) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0065] In an embodiment, the safener comprises mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0066] In an embodiment, the safener comprises mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0069] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in a ratio ranging from 1 :50 to 50:1 .

[0070] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in a ratio ranging from 1 :40 to 40:1 .

[0071] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in a ratio ranging from 1 :30 to 30:1 .

[0072] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in a ratio ranging from 1 :20 to 20:1 . In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in a ratio ranging from 1 :15 to 15:1 .

[0073] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :50 to 50:1 .

[0074] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :40 to 40:1 .

[0075] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :30 to 30:1 .

[0076] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :20 to 20:1 .

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :15 to 15:1 .

[0078] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :50 to 50:1 .

[0079] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :40 to 40:1 .

[0080] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :30 to 30:1 .

[0081] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :20 to 20:1 .

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio ranging from 1 :15 to 15:1 .

[0083] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 50:1 .

[0084] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 40:1 .

[0085] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 30:1 . In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 20:1 .

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 15:1 .

[0087] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 50:1 .

[0088] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 40:1 .

[0089] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 30:1 .

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 20:1 .

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl in a ratio of 15:1 .

[0092] In an additional embodiment, the herbicide-safener combinations according to the invention may contain additional other components, for example crop protection agents including other herbicide, fungicides, insecticides or bio-stimulating agents I or additives customary in plant protection and I or formulation auxiliaries or be used together with them.

[0093] In an embodiment, the additional herbicide is selected from the group comprising acetyl coenzyme A Carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, microtubule assembly inhibitors, auxin mimics or synthetic auxins, glutamine synthetase inhibitors, photosynthesis inhibitors - Photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors, very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitors, 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase inhibitors, 4- hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors, phytoene desaturase inhibitors and cellulose synthesis inhibitors.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) very long chain fatty acid synthesis inhibitor herbicide(s), and c) mefenpyr-diethyl. In another preferred, the additional herbicide comprises Very Long-Chain Fatty Acid Synthesis (VLCFA) comprising a-Chloroacetamides, Thiocarbamates, a-Thioacetamides, a- Oxyacetamides, Azolylcarboxamides, Oxiranes, Benzofuranes and Isoxazolines.

[0095] In an embodiment, the very long chain fatty acid synthesis inhibitor comprises benzofuranes and a-Oxyacetamides.

[0096] In an embodiment, benzofuranes comprise benfuresate and ethofumesate.

[0097] In an embodiment, a-Oxyacetamides comprise flufenacet and mefenacet.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) ethofumesate, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) flufenacet, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0100] In a preferred, the additional herbicide comprises Very Long-Chain Fatty Acid synthesis including thiocarbamates selected from the group comprising prosulfocarb, thiobencarb / benthiocarb, orbencarb, triallate, cycloate, vernolate, esprocarb, molinate and dimepiperate.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) prosulfocarb, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0102] In an embodiment, the additional herbicide comprises Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase (PPO) inhibitor herbicides comprising Diphenyl ethers selected from the group comprising acifluorfen, oxyfluorfen, bifenox, fomesafen and lactofen. In an embodiment, the additional herbicide comprises Solanesyl Diphosphate Synthase (SDPS) comprising diphenyl ethers including aclonifen.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) aclonifen, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0104] In another embodiment, the additional herbicide comprises Phytoene Desaturase (PDS) inhibitor herbicides comprising phenyl ethers selected from the group comprising picolinafen, diflufenican and beflubutamid.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) picolinafen, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) diflufenican, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) oxyfluorfen, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0108] The herbicide-safener combinations of the invention may be prepared by known methods, e.g. be prepared as mixed formulations of the individual components, optionally with other active ingredients, additives and I or customary formulation auxiliaries, which are then diluted with water used in the usual way, or prepared as tank mixes by co-diluting the separately formulated or partially separately formulated individual components with water become. In an embodiment, the present invention provides the sequential or split application of the separately formulated or partially separately formulated individual components of the herbicide- safener combinations.

[0109] In an embodiment, the present herbicide safener combination is applied as a pre-emergence application.

[0110] In an embodiment, the present herbicide safener combination is applied as a post-emergence application or as an early post-emergence application, followed by mid-late post-emergence application.

[0111] The dosage rate or amount of the individual herbicides may be defined by the inherent efficacy of the compound, the weed pressure, soil type, the weather, the formulation type and many other indeterminate variables.

[0112] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide or its isomers in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr or its salts or esters in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

[0113] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide or its isomers in an application amount ranging from 100 to 1100 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr or its salts or esters in an application amount ranging from 30 to 180 g / ha.

[0114] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr diethyl in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

[0115] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide in an application amount ranging from 100 to 1 100 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr diethyl in an application amount ranging from 30 to 180 g / ha.

[0116] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr diethyl in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

[0117] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M in an application amount ranging from 100 to 1 100 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr diethyl in an application amount ranging from 30 to 180 g / ha. The combination of the present invention maybe applied simultaneously as a tank mix or a premix formulation or may be applied sequentially. The application may be made to the soil before emergence of the plants, either pre-planting or post-planting. The application may be made to the soil after emergence of the plants. The application may be made as a foliar spray at different timings during crop development, with either one or more applications early or late postemergence. Herbicide safener combinations according to the invention can also be incorporated into the soil before, during or after sowing seeds of a crop. These combinations as described above may be applied to the locus of the weeds, in an herbicidally effective amount.

[0118] In an embodiment, the herbicide safener combinations of the present disclosure are applied as tank mixes.

[0119] The combinations of the present disclosure may be developed as a pre-mix composition or a kit of parts such that individual actives may be mixed before applying.

[0120] The herbicidal safener combinations of the present disclosure can be in any conventional agriculturally useful form, for example, in the form of a ready-to-use formulation or a pre-mix formulation.

[0121] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener composition comprising; a) a herbicidal component comprising napropamide or its isomers, b) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters, and c) an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicidal component comprises napropamide.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicidal component comprises napropamide-M.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the safener comprises mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the safener comprises mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener composition comprising napropamide, mefenpyr-diethyl and an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener composition comprising napropamide-M, mefenpyr-diethyl and an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0128] In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention may contain agrochemically acceptable excipient comprising adjuvants, carriers, diluents, emulsifiers, fillers, a pH adjusting agent, anti-foaming agents, a coloring agent, thickening agents, anti-freezing agents, freezing agents and a solvent. The compositions may be either solid or liquids. They can be solids, such as, for example, dusts, granules, water-dispersible granules, microcapsules or wettable powders, or liquids, such as, for example, emulsifiable concentrates, solutions, oil dispersion, emulsions or suspensions, ZC formulations. However, it should be appreciated that any other agriculturally acceptable excipients, as known to a person skilled in the art, may be used to serve its intended purpose. In an embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 90% by weight of the composition.

[0129] In an embodiment, the liquid herbicidal composition is formulated as an oil dispersion (OD), a dispersible concentrate (DC), an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), or a soluble concentrate (SL).

[0130] In an embodiment, the liquid herbicidal composition is an emulsifiable concentrate.

[0131] In an embodiment, the excipients in the emulsifiable concentrate comprise one or more of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, emulsifiers and solvents.

[0132] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, non-ionic surfactants comprise ethoxylated fatty acids, alcohol ethoxylates, tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters (examples include polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters widely known as polysorbates and also as Tween®), or a combination thereof.

[0133] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, anionic surfactants comprise ether sulfates (examples of ether sulfates include but are not limited to sodium or ammonium salts of fatty alcohol ether sulfates, sodium or ammonium salts of alkylaryl ether sulfates, sodium or ammonium salts of ethoxylated alkylaryl ether sulfates, POE tallow amine alkylphenol ether sulfates, and POE tallow amine alcohol ether sulfate), polymeric surfactants, phosphate esters, sulfosuccinates (examples of the sulfosuccinates include but are not limited to sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium di-(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dicyclohexyl sulfosuccinate, sodium diamyl sulfosuccinate, sodium diisobutyl sulfosuccinate, and sodium ditridecyl sulfosuccinate.), salts of alkylbenzene sulphonate (example includes calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid), or a combination thereof.

[0134] Suitable agricultural adjuvants and carriers may include, but are not limited to, crop oil concentrates; methylated seed oils, emulsified methylated seed oil, nonylphenol ethoxylate; benzylcocoalkyldimethyl quaternary ammonium salt; blend of petroleum hydrocarbon, alkyl esters, organic acid, and anionic surfactant; C9-C11 alkylpolyglycoside; phosphated alcohol ethoxylate; natural primary alcohol (C12-C16) ethoxylate; di-sec-butylphenol EO-PO (ethylene oxide and propylene oxide) block copolymer; polysiloxane-methyl cap; nonylphenol ethoxylate, urea ammonium nitrate; tridecyl alcohol (synthetic) ethoxylate (8EO); tallow amine ethoxylate; acrylic polymers, Polyethylene glycol PEG(400) dioleate-99, alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; alkylarylsulfonate salts, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol- C18 ethoxylate; alcohol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecyl alcohol-Ci6 ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; alkyl-naphthalene-sulfonate salts, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2- ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryl trimethylammonium chloride; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; salts of mono and dialkyl phosphate esters; vegetable or seed oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed / canola oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like; and esters of the above vegetable oils, and in certain embodiments, methyl esters.

[0135] In an embodiment, the solvent comprises water or an organic solvent can also be used as auxiliary solvent. Suitable liquid solvents are essentially: aromatics, such as xylene, toluene, alkylnaphthalenes, 2-phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohols, chlorinated aromatics or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes, or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example petroleum fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol and their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulfoxide, and water.

[0136] The present invention provides a solvent-surfactant blend that avoids crystallization and nozzle blockage.

[0137] Dyes such as inorganic pigments, e.g. Iron oxide, titanium oxide, ferrocyan blue and organic dyes such as alizarin, azo and metal phthalocyanine dyes and trace nutrients such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

[0138] In an embodiment, the present invention provides the herbicidal component comprising napropamide or its isomers in a concentration ranging from 10% to 80% w / w of the composition. In an embodiment, the present invention provides the herbicidal component comprising napropamide or its isomers in a concentration ranging from 10% to 60% w / w of the composition.

[0139] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in a concentration ranging from 0.1 % to 25% w / w of the composition.

[0140] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in a concentration ranging from 1 % to 20% w / w of the composition.

[0141] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemically acceptable excipient in a concentration ranging from 20% to 80% w / w of the composition.

[0142] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in a concentration ranging from 20% to70% w / w of the composition.

[0143] In accordance with present invention the use of the herbicide safener combination or composition for reducing phytotoxicity in crops and for controlling target weeds may be carried out by spraying the suggested tank mixes, or the individual herbicides may be formulated as a kit-of-parts containing various components that may be mixed as instructed prior to spraying.

[0144] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters for reducing phytotoxicity in crops.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr-diethyl for reducing phytotoxicity in crops.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr-diethyl for reducing phytotoxicity in crops.

[0147] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters for controlling undesirable weed growth.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr-diethyl for controlling undesirable weed growth. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr-diethyl for controlling undesirable weed growth.

[0149] The herbicide safener combinations of the present invention maybe used to target weeds among the crops such as corn, rice, wheat, winter wheat, durum wheat, barley, rye, oat, sorghum, cotton, soybean, peanut, buckwheat, beet, rapeseed, sunflower, sugar cane, tobacco, etc.; vegetables: solanaceous vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, pimento, pepper, potato, etc., cucurbit vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, water melon, melon, squash, etc., cruciferous vegetables such as radish, white turnip, horseradish, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, leaf mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., asteraceous vegetables such as burdock, crown daisy, artichoke, lettuce, etc, liliaceous vegetables such as green onion, onion, garlic, and asparagus, ammiaceous vegetables such as carrot, parsley, celery, parsnip, etc., chenopodiaceous vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, etc., lamiaceous vegetables such as Perilla frutescens, mint, basil, etc, strawberry, sweet potato, Dioscorea japonica, colocasia, etc., flowers, foliage plants, turf grasses, fruits: pome fruits such apple, pear, quince, etc, stone fleshy fruits such as peach, plum, nectarine, Prunus mume, cherry fruit, apricot, prune, etc., citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, rime, grapefruit, etc., nuts such as chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almond, pistachio, cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, etc. berries such as blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, etc., vines, kaki fruit, olive, plum, banana, oil palm, coffee, date palm, coconuts, etc. , trees other than fruit trees; tea, mulberry, flowering plant, trees such as ash, birch, dogwood, Eucalyptus, Ginkgo biloba, lilac, maple, Quercus, poplar, Judas tree, Liquidambar formosana, plane tree, zelkova, Japanese arborvitae, fir wood, hemlock, juniper, Pinus, Picea, and Taxus cuspidate, etc.

[0150] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters for reducing phytotoxicity and controlling undesirable weed growth.

[0151] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters for reducing phytotoxicity in cereal crops.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr-diethyl for reducing phytotoxicity in cereal crops. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr-diethyl for reducing phytotoxicity in cereal crops.

[0153] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters for reducing phytotoxicity in wheat crop.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr-diethyl for reducing phytotoxicity in wheat crop.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr-diethyl for reducing phytotoxicity in wheat crop.

[0156] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters for controlling weeds.

[0157] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr-diethyl for controlling weeds.

[0158] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr-diethyl for controlling weeds.

[0159] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers, and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters for controlling monocotyledonous weeds.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide and mefenpyr-diethyl for controlling monocotyledonous weeds.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr-diethyl for controlling monocotyledonous weeds. Monocotyledonous weeds are selected from the genera Echinochloa, Setaria, Panicum, Digitaria, Phleum, Poa, Festuca, Eleusine, Brachiaria, Lolium, Bromus, Avena, Cyperus, Sorghum, Agropyron, Cynodon, Monochoria, Fimbristylis, Sagittaria, Eleocharis, Scirpus, Paspalum, Ishaemum, Sphenoclea, Dactyloctenium, Agrostis, Alopecurus, Apera.

[0162] Dicotyledonous weeds are selected from the genera Sinapis, Lepidium, Galium, Stellaria, Matricaria, Anthemis, Galinsoga, Chenopodium, Urtica, Senecio, Amaranthus, Portulaca, Xanthium, Convolvulus, Ipomoea, Polygonum, Sesbania, Ambrosia, Cirsium, Carduus, Sonchus, Solanum, Rorippa, Rotala, Lindernia, Lamium, Veronica, Abutilon, Emex, Datura, Viola, Galeopsis, Papaver, Centaurea, Trifolium, Ranunculus, Taraxacum, Euphorbia.

[0163] According to some embodiments of the invention, the weed species of interest is selected from the group consisting of Examples of weed species which can be targeted (mitigated) according to the present teachings include, but are not limited to, Amaranthus species -A. albus, A. blitoides, A. hybridus, A. palmeri, A. powellii, A. retroflexus, A.rudis, A. spinosus, A. tuberculatus, and A. viridis; Ambrosia species - A. trifida, A. artemisifolia; Lolium species -L. multiflorum, L. rigidium, L perenne; Digitaria species -D. insularis; Euphorbia species -E. heterophylla; Kochia species - K. scoparia;Sorghum species -S. halepense; Conyza species -C. bonariensis, C. canadensis, C. sumatrensis; Chloris species -C. truncate; Echinochola species - E. colona, E. crus-galli; Eleusine species -E. indica; Poa species -P. annua; Plantago species -P. lanceolata; Avena species - A. fatua; Chenopodium species - C. album; Setaria species - S. viridis, Abutilon theophrasti, Ipomoea species, Sesbania, species, Cassia species, Sida species, Brachiaria species, Sporobolus species - S. pyramidalis, S. natalensis, S. jacquemontii, S. fertilis, S. africanus S. indicus and Solanum species. Additional weedy plant species found in cultivated areas include Alopecurus myosuroides, Avenasterilis, Avena sterilis ludoviciana, Brachiaria plantaginea, Bromus diandrus, Bromus rigidus, Cynosurus echinatus, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria ischaemum, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa oryzicola, Echinochlo aphyllopogon, Eriochlo apunctata, Hordeum glaucum, Hordeum leporinum, Ischaemum rugosum, Leptochloachinensis, Lolium persicum, Phalaris minor, Phalarisparadoxa, Rottboelliaexalta, Setaria faberi, Setaria viridisvar, robusta-alba Schreiber, Setariaviridisvar, robusta -purpurea, Snowdenia polystachea, Sorghum Sudanese, Alismaplantago-aquatica, Amaranthus lividus, Amaranthus quitensis, Ammania auriculata, Ammaniacoccinea, Anthemiscotula, Aperaspica-venti, Bacopa rotundifolia, Biden spilosa, Bidens subalternans, Brassica tournefortii, Bromus tectorum, Camelina microcarpa, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Cuscuta campestris, Cyperus dijformis, Damasonium minus, Descurainia sophia, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Echium plantagineum, Elatine triandra var, pedicellata, Euphorbia heterophylla, Fallopia convolvulus, Fimbristylis miliacea, Galeopsis tetrahit, Galium spurium, Helianthus annuus, Iva xanthifolia, Ixophorus unisetus, Ipomoea indica, Ipomoea purpurea, Ipomoea sepiaria, Ipomoea aquatic, Ipomoea triloba, Lactuca serriola, Limnocharis flava, Limnophila erecta, Limnophila sessiliflora, Lindemia dubia, Lindernia dubia var, major, Lindemia micrantha, Lindernia procumbens, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Monochoria korsakowii, Monochoria vaginalis, Neslia paniculata, Papaver rhoeas, Parthenium hysterophorus, Pentzia suj fruticosa, Phalaris minor, Raphanus raphanistrum, Raphanus sativus, Rapistrum rugosum, Rotala indica var, uliginosa, Sagittaria guyanensis, Sagittaria montevidensis, Sagittaria pygmaea, Salsola iberica, Scirpus juncoides var, ohwianus, Scirpus mucronatus, Setaria lutescens, Sida spinosa, Sinapis arvensis, Sisymbrium orientate, Sisymbrium thellungii, Solanum ptycanthum, Sonchus asper, Sonchu soleraceus, Sorghum bicolor, Stellaria media, Thlaspiarvense, Xanthium strumarium, Arctotheca calendula, Conyza spp, Conyza sumatrensis, Crassocephalum crepidiodes, Cuphea carthagenenis, Epilobium adenocaulon, Erigeron philadelphicus, Landoltia punctata, Lepidiumvirginicum, Monochoria korsakowii, Solanum americanum, Solanum nigrum, Vulpiabromoides, Youngia japonica, Hydrilla verticillata, Carduus nutans, Carduus pycnocephalus, Centaurea solstitialis, Cirsiumarvense, Commelinadiffusa, Convolvulus arvensis, Daucus carota, Digitaria ischaemum, Echinochloa crus-pavonis, Fimbristylis miliacea, Galeopsis tetrahit, Galium spurium, Limnophila erecta, Matricaria perforate, Papaver rhoeas, Ranunculus acris, Soliva sessilis, Sphenoclea zeylanica, Stellaria media, Nassella trichotoma, Stipa neesiana, Agrostis stolonifera, Polygonum aviculare, Alopecurus japonicus, Beckmannia syzigachne, Bromus tectorum, Chloris inflate, Echinochloa erecta, Portulaca oleracea, and Senecio vulgaris.

[0164] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising a herbicide safener combination / composition is provided. The kit comprises a plurality of components comprising a napropamide or its isomers and a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or isomers or esters.

[0165] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the kit includes at least one, or all of components. For example, the kit may include, an additional fungicide, a herbicide, an insecticide or a bio stimulant or biological an adjuvant, an anionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant.

[0166] One or more of the components may already be combined or pre-formulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag and / or canister. In other embodiments, two or more components of a kit may be packaged separately, i.e., not pre-formulated. As such, a kit may include one or more separate containers such as vials, cans, bottles, pouches, bags and / or canisters, each container containing a separate component for stable herbicidal composition.

[0167] In both forms, a component of the kit may be applied separately from or together with the further components or as a component of a combination or composition according to the disclosure for preparing the herbicide safener combination or composition according to the disclosure.

[0168] The disclosure also provides a kit comprising herbicide safener combination or composition for the controlling the weed growth and instructions for use. The instructions for use typically comprise instructions for the application of the herbicide combination to a plant, or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0169] According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:

[0170] (a) napropamide or its isomers,

[0171] (b) mefenpyr or its salts or esters, and

[0172] (c) an instruction manual for use.

[0173] According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:

[0174] (a) napropamide,

[0175] (b) mefenpyr diethyl, and

[0176] (c) an instruction manual for use.

[0177] According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:

[0178] (a) napropamide - M,

[0179] (b) mefenpyr diethyl, and

[0180] (c) an instruction manual for use.

[0181] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers as the herbicidal component and a safener.

[0182] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicidal component comprises napropamide.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicidal component comprises napropamide-M. In a preferred embodiment, the safener comprises mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0184] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide or its isomers, and b) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0186] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0187] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide or its isomers in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and b) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

[0188] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide or its isomers in an application amount ranging from 100 to 1 100 g / ha, and b) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters in an application amount ranging from 30 to 180 g / ha

[0189] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

[0190] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide in an application amount ranging from 100 to 1 100 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl in an application amount ranging from 30 to 180 g / ha. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

[0191] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M in an application amount ranging from 100 to 1 100 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl in an application amount ranging from 30 to 180 g / ha.

[0192] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in cereal crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

[0193] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in cereal crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M in an application amount ranging from 100 to 1 100 g / ha, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl in an application amount ranging from 30 to 180 g / ha.

[0194] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide or its isomers, b) an additional herbicide, and c) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0195] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) very long chain fatty acid synthesis inhibitor herbicide(s), and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0196] In another preferred, the additional herbicide comprises Very Long-Chain Fatty Acid Synthesis (VLCFA) comprising a-Chloroacetamides, Thiocarbamates, a-Thioacetamides, a- Oxyacetamides, Azolylcarboxamides, Oxiranes, Benzofuranes and Isoxazolines.

[0197] In an embodiment, the very long chain fatty acid synthesis inhibitor comprises benzofuranes and a-Oxyacetamides. In an embodiment, benzofuranes comprise benfuresate and ethofumesate.

[0198] In an embodiment, a-Oxyacetamides comprise flufenacet and mefenacet.

[0199] In a preferred, the additional herbicide comprises Very Long-Chain Fatty Acid synthesis including thiocarbamates selected from the group comprising prosulfocarb, thiobencarb / benthiocarb, orbencarb, triallate, cycloate, vernolate, esprocarb, molinate and dimepiperate.

[0200] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) prosulfocarb, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0201] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) ethofumesate, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0202] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) flufenacet, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0203] In an embodiment, the additional herbicide comprises Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase (PPO) inhibitor herbicides comprising diphenyl ethers selected from the group comprising acifluorfen, oxyfluorfen, bifenox, fomesafen and lactofen.

[0204] In an embodiment, the additional herbicide comprises Solanesyl Diphosphate Synthase (SDPS) comprising diphenyl ethers including aclonifen.

[0205] In another embodiment, the additional herbicide comprises Phytoene Desaturase (PDS) inhibitor herbicides comprising phenyl ethers selected from the group comprising picolinafen, diflufenican and beflubutamid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) aclonifen, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0206] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) picolinafen, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0207] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) diflufenican, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0208] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, b) oxyfluorfen, and c) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0209] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0210] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide or its isomers, and b) a safener comprising mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

[0211] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0212] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds comprising applying to a locus a herbicide safener combination comprising; a) napropamide-M, and b) mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0213] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the disclosure are achieved, and other advantageous results are attained. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in full, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments may be combined together for better understanding of the disclosure, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0214] In another embodiment, alternative or multiple embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each embodiment can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other embodiments of the disclosure. One or more embodiments of the disclosure can be combined together to exhibit the teaching of the invention, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0215] The invention shall now be described with reference to the following specific examples. It should be noted that the examples appended below illustrate rather than limit the invention and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0216] Examples

[0217] Example 1 :

[0218] Mefenpyr-Diethyl + Napropamide (45 g / L +225 g / L) Emulsifiable concentrate (EC)

[0219] Table 1 : Emulsifiable concentrate formulation

[0220] Example 2: Evaluation of phytotoxicity of pre-emergent application of Napropamide

[0221] The present invention evaluates the phytotoxicity of napropamide and napropamide - M when applied with mefenpyr diethyl as the safener. The combination of napropamide and mefenpyr, and napropamide - M and mefenpyr were applied in winter wheat crop fields for controlling grassweeds including Alopecurus myosuroides, Lolium multiflorum and Lolium rigidum. The application was made pre-sowing of the crop seeds. Napropamide-M and napropamide were used from napropamide-M Suspension Concentrate (SC) and napropamide SC 450g / L formulations. Mefenpyr-diethyl was prepared from Mefenpyr diethyl 400 WP formulation.

[0222] The criteria of phytotoxicity resulted from visual estimates of the intensity, for example, of deformation or discolouration. In this case, the effect was scored by reference to a scale of 0 to 100%. The effects of phytotoxicity in wheat crops were assessed by visual comparison of a treated plot with an untreated plot to give a percentage figure. Pre-emergent application of napropamide and mefenpyr diethyl

[0223] Table 2(a): Treatment of wheat crop field with herbicide safener combination

[0224] Table 2(b): Treatment of wheat crop field with herbicide safener combination

[0225] Table 2(c): Treatment of wheat crop field with herbicide safener combination

[0226] The application of the mefenpyr diethyl safener with napropamide and with napropamide-M led to the reduction in phytotoxicity compared to the application of napropamide and napropamide-M when applied individually.

[0227] Example 3 Evaluation of phytotoxicity of post-emergent application of Napropamide The present invention evaluates the phytotoxicity of napropamide and napropamide - M when applied with mefenpyr diethyl as the safener. The combination of napropamide and mefenpyr, and napropamide - M and mefenpyr were applied in winter wheat crop fields for controlling grassweeds including Alopecurus myosuroides, Lolium multiflorum and Lolium rigidum. Napropamide-M and napropamide were used from napropamide-M Suspension Concentrate (SC) and napropamide SC 450g / L formulations. Mefenpyr-diethyl was prepared from Mefenpyr diethyl 400 WP formulation. The criteria of phytotoxicity resulted from visual estimates of the intensity, for example, of deformation or discolouration. In this case, the effect was scored by reference to a scale of 0 to 100%. The effects of phytotoxicity were assessed by visual comparison of a treated plot with an untreated plot to give a percentage figure.

[0228] Table 3(a): Treatment of wheat crop field with herbicide safener combination

[0229] Table 3(b): Treatment of wheat crop field with herbicide safener combination

[0230] The application of mefenpyr diethyl safener with napropamide lead to the reduction in phytotoxicity compared to the application of napropamide and napropamide-M when applied individually.

Claims

We claim,1 . A herbicide safener combination comprising napropamide or its isomers and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

2. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , the combination comprising napropamide-M and mefenpyr diethyl.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , the ratio of napropamide and mefenpyr ranging from 30:1 to 1 :1 .

4. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , the ratio of napropamide and mefenpyr ranging from 20:1 to 1 :1 .

5. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , the combination is applied as a tank-mix wherein napropamide or its isomers is applied in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and mefenpyr or its salts or esters is applied in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the concentration of napropamide is ranging from 20% to 50%w / v.

7. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the concentration of mefenpyr is ranging from 30% to 50% w / v.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the combination further comprises crop protection agents selected from the group comprising herbicides, fungicides, insecticides or bio-stimulating agents I or additives.

9. The combination as claimed in claim 8, wherein the herbicides are selected from the group comprising phenyl ether herbicides comprising aclonifen, diflufenican, flufenican, picolinafen and oxyfluorfen.

10. A herbicide safener composition comprising napropamide or its isomers, mefenpyr or its salts or esters and agrochemically acceptable excipient(s).11 . The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the agrochemically excipient is selected from the group comprising adjuvants, carriers, diluents, emulsifiers, fillers, a pH adjusting agent, anti-foaming agents, a coloring agent, thickening agents, anti-freezing agents, freezing agents and a solvent.

12. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the composition is formulated as an oil dispersion (OD), a dispersible concentrate (DC), an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), or a soluble concentrate (SL) formulation.

13. A method of controlling weeds comprising applying to a locus of a crop a herbicide safener combination as claimed in claim 1 , the combination comprising napropamide or its isomers and mefenpyr or its salts or esters.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, the method comprising applying napropamide or its isomers in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and mefenpyr or its salts or esters in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein napropamide-M is applied in an application amount ranging from 50 to 1200 g / ha, and mefenpyr diethyl is applied in an application amount ranging from 1 to 200 g / ha.

16. A method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops comprising applying a herbicide safener combination as claimed in claim 1 .

17. A kit of parts comprising a combination as claimed in claim 1 , said kit comprising :(a) napropamide or its isomers,(b) mefenpyr or its salts or esters, and (c) an instruction manual for use.

18. Use of a herbicide safener combination as claimed in claim 1 , said use comprising controlling weeds and reducing phytotoxicity.

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