Plant defense elicitors

Abstract

Plant defense elicitors The present disclosure relates to the elicitors of defensive responses in useful plants to build up the plants' natural defense system against plant pests, wherein the elicitor is pelargonic acid, or a derivative thereof.

Description

[0001] Plant defense elicitors

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to elicitors of defensive responses in useful plants to build up the plants’ natural defense system against plant pests.

[0004] The disclosure relates to uses and methods of employing pelargonic acid, or its agriculturally acceptable salt, ester or amide derivatives, as defense elicitors against plant pests.

[0005] Furthermore, provided herein are agricultural compositions comprising pelargonic acid, or its agriculturally acceptable salts, esters or amides, and applications thereof.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] The disclosure relates to fatty acids, particularly pelargonic acid, or its agriculturally acceptable salt, esters or amide derivatives, as defense elicitors against plant pests and which demonstrate highly effective activity combined with low phytotoxicity.

[0008] Pelargonic acid has long been known as a non-selective, contact herbicide. It has now been surprisingly found that pelargonic acid used at selected rates is highly effective as a defense elicitor in useful plants.

[0009] Due to the favorable environmental profile of pelargonic acid, the present disclosure represents an important new solution for farmers to control or prevent damage of useful plants caused by plant pathogens and stresses.

[0010] The use of pelargonic acid to control insects in a broad range of crops has been disclosed in PCT / EP2023 / 051467, PCT / EP2023 / 051472, PCT / EP2023 / 051473, PCT / EP2023 / 051475, PCT / EP2023 / 051478, PCT / EP2023 / 051479, PCT / EP2023 / 051484, PCT / EP2023 / 051486, and PCT / EP2023 / 051490.

[0011] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention,” as used in this document, are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent application and the claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Covered embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are described and illustrated in the present document and the accompanying figures. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification, any or all figures, and each claim. Some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are discussed below.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Plants are adversely affected by a wide range of environmental stresses categorized as (a) abiotic stress which includes salinity, floods, drought, temperature extremes, heavy metals, radiation, etc., and (b) biotic stress such as attacks by various pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, oomycetes, and plant pests such insects, arachnids, and nematodes. If the stress is prolonged, plant growth, and productivity are severely diminished.

[0014] To overcome these environmental stresses, plants have evolved complex physiological and biochemical adaptations systems, such as cell signaling pathways and cellular responses, production of stress proteins, upregulation of the antioxidant machinery, and accumulation of compatible solutes.

[0015] Compounds, which when perceived by a plant give rise to such defense responses, are commonly referred to as plant defense elicitors, plant elicitors or simply elicitors.

[0016] The fact that the pelargonic acid compositions of the present disclosure are well tolerated by plants at the concentrations required for eliciting defensive responses allows the treatment of above-ground parts of plants, of propagation stock, and the locus of the plants, e.g., of the soil.

[0017] According to the disclosure all plants and plant parts may be treated. By plants, it is meant all plants and plant populations, cultivars and plant varieties.

[0018] By plant parts, it is meant all above ground and below ground parts and organs of plants such as shoot, leaf, blossom and root, whereby for example leaves, needles, stems, branches, blossoms, fruiting bodies, fruits, and plant propagation materials, including seed as well as roots, corms, rhizomes, and runners.

[0019] For the purpose of the present disclosure, the following terms have the following meaning: In the present disclosure, an "active ingredient" is a compound which directly exerts a biologically relevant effect, preferably a pesticidal effect or biostimulant effect as described herein.

[0020] The term "auxiliary agent" or “auxiliary” refers to a compound or combination of compounds which do not exert a biologically relevant effect of their own but support the effects of the active ingredient(s). When auxiliary agents are used, their choice will depend on the active ingredients and on the procedures selected for the treatment.

[0021] The abbreviations used herein have their conventional meaning within the chemical and biological arts.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a polymer” optionally includes a combination of two or more polymers, and the like.

[0023] As used herein, the term “and / or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (“or”).

[0024] As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the term “about” when used in connection with numeric values, parameters or numerical ranges such as amounts, volumes, volume ratios, volume percentages, weight ratios, weight percentages, or application rates of ingredients of a composition, means an amount, a volume, a volume ratio, a volume percentage, a weight ratio, a weight percentage, or an application rate that is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art to provide a desired effect equivalent to that obtained from the specified amount, volume, volume ratios, volume percentages, weight ratio, weight percentage, or application rate, is encompassed herein and should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0025] As used herein, the term “arthropod” refers to any plant pest in the phylum Arthropoda including the subphylum Hexapoda, which includes class Insecta (e.g., insects), and the subphylum Chelicerata, which includes class Arachnida (e.g., spiders, mites).

[0026] As used herein, the terms “insect”, “insecticide”, “insecticidal”, “insecticidally”, and variations thereof, unless expressly referring to a specific insect pest, instead refer to any arthropod plant pests, including those in the phylum Arthropoda and the class Arachnida or class Insecta, as well as pests from the phylum Nematoda.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and variations thereof, are inclusive and open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps beyond those explicitly recited. As used herein, the phrase “consisting of’ is closed and excludes any element, step, or ingredient not explicitly specified. As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of’ limits the scope of the described feature to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the disclosed feature.

[0028] As used herein, the term “agriculturally acceptable carrier” refers to a substance that aids the administration of an active agent to and absorption by an agricultural crop and may be included in the compositions of the present disclosure without causing a significant adverse toxicological effect on the agricultural crop. An agriculturally acceptable carrier is thus compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the environment or organism (e.g., plant) to which it is applied. Non-limiting examples of agriculturally acceptable carriers include water, NaCl, normal saline solutions, normal sucrose, normal glucose, binders, fillers, disintegrants, lubricants, coatings, and the like. One of skill in the art will recognize that other agriculturally acceptable carriers are useful in the present disclosure.

[0029] As used herein, the term “insecticidally effective amount” means the amount of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, that is effective to stimulate or boost the plant’s defense mechanisms to repel plant pests, inhibit or indirectly control the growth rate or reproduction of plant pests, increase mortality, eradicate the plant pests, and / or reduce damage to plants caused by plant pests when the composition is applied to the useful plant before infestation of the plants by the plant pests. This stimulation of the plants’ defense mechanisms can be locally, but also systemically. Unless expressly referring to a specific insect pest, “insecticidally effective amount” includes the amount that is effective to inhibit or control any arthropod plant pests, including those in the phylum Arthropoda and the class Arachnida, as well as those in the phylum Nematoda.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “pest” or “plant pest” mean members of the phylum Arthropoda including the subphylum Hexapoda, which includes class Insecta (e.g., insects), and the subphylum Chelicerata, which includes class Arachnida (e.g., spiders, mites), as well as members of the phylum Nematoda, which are undesired in cropping situations due to, for example, their negative impact on the appearance, health, or productivity of a plant or crop.

[0031] Any numerical range disclosed herein is meant to include all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited one. For instance, a range from 1 to 10 includes all sub-ranges between and including the recited minimal value 1 and the recited maximum value 10 and any value inbetween, including any and all decimal values.

[0032] As used herein, a "composition" comprises at least one active ingredient, e.g., pelargonic acid, and at least one auxiliary agent. The terms “composition” and “formulation” may be used interchangeably throughout the text and are meant as having the same meaning.

[0033] Terms “plant” and “crop” are used interchangeably throughout the text and are meant as having the same meaning.

[0034] Pelargonic acid, when used according to the present disclosure, is well tolerated by the environment and when well tolerated by the plants is suitable for protecting the plants and plant organs.

[0035] While the use of pelargonic acid is preferred, an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the use of at least one pelargonic acid derivative alone or in mixtures with pelargonic acid. The pelargonic acid derivatives suitable for use in the present disclosure are selected from salts, esters and amides of pelargonic acid.

[0036] In some embodiments, if used, the at least one pelargonic acid derivative comprises one or more salts or esters of pelargonic acid.

[0037] Esters of pelargonic acid include esters of pelargonic acid with an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, butanol, ethane- 1,2-diol, propane-1, 3-diol, propane-1,2, 3- triol (glycerol) and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the ester can be cholesterol pelargonate.

[0038] Salts of pelargonic acid include metal salts, ammonium salts, alkanolamine salts, quaternary ammonium salts, and the choline salts of pelargonic acid. In one aspect, the metal salts are alkali metal salts, alkaline-earth metal salts, or aluminum, copper, iron, or zinc salts. Alkali metal salts of fatty acids include lithium, sodium, potassium, and rubidium salts of pelargonic acid. Alkaline-earth metal salts of pelargonic acid include magnesium and calcium salts. Such salts may be formed by reacting the pelargonic acid with a base comprising the desired metal cation, for instance by reacting one or more fatty acids with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in case of alkali metals, magnesium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide for alkaline-earth metals, or aluminum hydroxide, copper hydroxide, zinc hydroxide or iron hydroxide for other metals. Alkanolamine salts include the dimethylethanolamine, and the mono-, di-, tri-ethanolamine salts of pelargonic acid. Quaternary ammonium salts can be prepared by combining pelargonic acid with a quaternary ammonium with a hydroxyl group to form L-camitine, L-acetyl carnitine, and betaine salts. The choline salts may be prepared by combining pelargonic acid with choline hydroxide to form choline pelargonate, choline gamma-homocholine, beta-methylcholine, acetyl choline, acetyl gamma homocholine, and (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonum salts.

[0039] Additional salts include dimethylethanolamine pelargonate, 2-(pyrrolidine-l-yl)ethan-l-ol, and 3-(l-pyrrolidinyl)l,2-propanediol salts of pelargonic acid.

[0040] Amide derivatives of pelargonic acid may be prepared by methods known in the art including by reacting pelargonic acid with an amine via a condensation reaction with a condensation reagent, such as N-di cyclohexylcarbodiimide, oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosphorous trichloride, or phosphorous pentachloride; by reacting pelargonic acid with an amine in the presence of a catalyst; and by first forming a derivative of pelargonic acid, such as pelargonic acid chloride, an alcohol ester of pelargonic acid, a pelargonic acid phenol ester etc., and reacting said derivative with an amine.

[0041] “Low Phytotoxicity” of pelargonic acid, as used herein means that the toxic effect on plants is absent or at such a level so as not to adversely impact the growth and / or yield of the plant under a given set of test conditions, e.g., at a given concentration of pelargonic acid.

[0042] Phytotoxic effects may be measured in a number of different ways, for example, according to the principles set out in OEPP / EPPO Bulletin (2014) 44(3), 265-273 “PP 1 / 135 (4) Phytotoxicity assessment”.

[0043] The phytotoxic effect on plants may be assessed visually as a function of the percentage of discoloration to the leaves and / or the appearance of necrosis. When the pelargonic acid compositions are applied to the foliage of the useful plants in accordance with the teachings herein, will typically result in a level of phytotoxicity of less than 20%, less than 15%, or less than 10% necrosis of the leaves in comparison to untreated plants. In one aspect, the uses of pelargonic acid will result in phytotoxicity of 7% or less, whilst the most preferred uses will typically result in phytotoxicity of 5% or less. The above values are approximate as any purely visual assessment is likely to contain a degree of subjectivity.

[0044] As used herein the term “useful plants” includes Com, Cotton, Cereals including wheat (winter and spring), spelt, durum, rye, barley, oats, millet and triticale, Oilseed rape (as used herein the term oilseed rape includes Brassica napus subsp. napus, also referred to as Argentine canola, rapeseed or rape and the specific group of cultivars, canola, Brassica rapa, also known as Polish Canola and Brassica juncea, also known as brown mustard), Perennials as used herein includes Coffee, Fruit trees such as Abiu, Almond, Amla (Indian gooseberry), Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Bael, Ber (Indian plum), Carambola (starfruit), Cashew, Cherry, Citrus (clementine, lemon, lime, orange etc.), Coconut, Crab apple, Damson, Durian, Elderberry, Fig, Grapefruit, Guava, Jackfruit, Jujube, Loquat, Lychee, Mango, Medlar, Morello cherry, Mulberry, Olive, Pawpaw, both the tropical Carica papaya and the North American Asimina triloba, Peach and nectarine, Pear, Pecan, Persimmon, Plum, Pomelo, Quince, Pomegranate, Rambutan, Sapodilla (chikoo), Soursop, Sugar-apple (sharifa), Sweet chestnut, Tamarillo, Ugli fruit, Walnut and Water Apple, Grapes, Rice, Sorghum, Soybean, Turfgrass, Vegetables including Brassica oleracea (e.g., cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Chinese broccoli, collard greens), Brassica rapa (e.g., turnip, Chinese cabbage, napa cabbage, bok choy), Raphanus sativus (e.g., radish, daikon, seedpod varieties), Daucus carota (e.g., carrot); Pastinaca sativa (e.g., parsnip), Beta vulgaris (e.g., beetroot, sea beet, Swiss chard, sugar beet), Lactuca sativa (e.g., lettuce, celtuce), Aspargus officinalis (e.g., asparagus), Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus lunatus (e.g., green bean, French bean, runner bean, haricot bean, Lima bean), Vicia faba (e.g., broad bean), Pisum sativum (e.g., pea, snap pea, snow pea, split pea), Solanum tuberosum (e.g., potato), Solanum melongena (e.g., eggplant), Solanum lycopersicum (e.g., tomato), Cucumis sativus (e.g., cucumber), Cucurbita spp. (e.g., pumpkin, squash, marrow, zucchini, gourd), Allium cepa (e.g., onion, spring onion, scallion, shallot), Allium sativum (e.g., garlic), Allium ampeloprasum (e.g., leek, elephant garlic), Capsicum annuum (e.g., pepper, bell pepper, sweet pepper), Spinacia oleracea (e.g., spinach), Dioscorea spp. (e.g., yam), Ipomoea batatas (e.g., sweet potato) vA Manihol esculenta (e.g., cassava). Plants and plant cultivars which are preferably treated according to the present disclosure include those that are resistant against herbicides or one or more biotic stresses, i.e., said plants show a better defense against animal and microbial pests, such as against nematodes, insects, acari, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses and / or viroids. This includes plants made resistant to the above biotic stress by way of breeding including mutagenesis, genetic modification through gene editing, e.g., CRISPR, or transformed by the use of recombinant DNA techniques (i.e., transgenic plants) such that that they are capable of synthesizing one or more selectively acting toxins, such as are known, for example, from toxin-producing bacteria, especially those of the genus Bacillus.

[0045] The compositions according to the disclosure can advantageously be used to treat transgenic plants, plant cultivars or plant parts that contain genetic material which imparts advantageous and / or useful properties (traits) to these plants, plant cultivars or plant parts. Therefore, it is contemplated that the compositions of the present disclosure may be combined with one or more recombinant traits or transgenic event(s) or a combination thereof.

[0046] For the purposes of this disclosure, a transgenic event is created by the insertion of a specific recombinant DNA molecule into a specific position (locus) within the chromosome of the plant genome. The insertion creates a novel DNA sequence referred to as an “event” and is characterized by the inserted recombinant DNA molecule and some amount of genomic DNA immediately adjacent to / flanking both ends of the inserted DNA. Such trait(s) or transgenic event(s) include, but are not limited to, pest resistance, water use efficiency, yield performance, drought tolerance, seed quality, improved nutritional quality, hybrid seed production, and herbicide tolerance, in which the effectiveness of the trait is measured with respect to a plant lacking such trait or transgenic event. Concrete examples of such advantageous and / or useful properties (traits) are better plant growth, vigor, stress tolerance, standability, lodging resistance, nutrient uptake, plant nutrition, and / or yield, in particular improved growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to levels of water or soil salinity, enhanced flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated ripening, higher yields, higher quality and / or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, better storage life and / or processability of the harvested products, and increased resistance against animal and microbial pests, such as against insects, arachnids, nematodes, mites, slugs and snails. Among DNA sequences encoding proteins which confer properties of tolerance to such animal and microbial pests, in particular insects, mention will particularly be made of the genetic material from Bacillus thuringiensis encoding the Bt proteins widely described in the literature and well known to those skilled in the art. Mention will also be made of proteins extracted from bacteria such as Photorhabdus (W097 / 17432 and WO98 / 08932). In particular, mention will be made of the Bt Cry or VIP proteins which include the CrylA, CrylAb, CrylAc, CryllA, CrylllA, CryIIIB2, Cry9c Cry2Ab, Cry3Bb and CrylF proteins or toxic fragments thereof and also hybrids or combinations thereof, especially the CrylF protein or hybrids derived from a CrylF protein (e.g. hybrid CrylA-CrylF proteins or toxic fragments thereof), the CrylA-type proteins or toxic fragments thereof, preferably the CrylAc protein or hybrids derived from the CrylAc protein (e.g. hybrid CrylAb-CrylAc proteins) or the CrylAb or Bt2 protein or toxic fragments thereof, the Cry2Ae, Cry2Af or Cry2Ag proteins or toxic fragments thereof, the CrylA.105 protein or a toxic fragment thereof, the VIP3Aal9 protein, the VIP3Aa20 protein, the VIP3A proteins produced in the COT202 or COT203 cotton events, the VIP3Aa protein or a toxic fragment thereof as described in Estruch et al. (1996), Proc Natl Acad Sci US A. 28;93(11):5389- 94, the Cry proteins as described in WO2001 / 47952, the insecticidal proteins from Xenorhabdus (as described in WO98 / 50427), Serratia (particularly from S. entomophild) or Photorhabdus species strains, such as Tc-proteins from Photorhabdus as described in WO98 / 08932. Also, any variants or mutants of any one of these proteins differing in some amino acids (1-10, preferably 1-5) from any of the above-named sequences, particularly the sequence of their toxic fragment, or which are fused to a transit peptide, such as a plastid transit peptide, or another protein or peptide, is included herein.

[0047] Another and particularly emphasized example of such properties is conferred tolerance to one or more herbicides, for example imidazolinones, sulphonylureas, glyphosate or phosphinothricin by either mutagenesis, for example, Clearfield™ imidazolinone tolerant varieties, or transgenic techniques. Among DNA sequences encoding proteins which confer properties of tolerance to certain herbicides on the transformed plant cells and plants, mention will be particularly be made to the bar or PAT gene or the Streptomyces coelicolor gene described in WO2009 / 152359 which confers tolerance to glufosinate herbicides, a gene encoding a suitable EPSPS (5-Enolpyruvylshikimat-3-phosphat-synthase) which confers tolerance to herbicides having EPSPS as a target, especially herbicides such as glyphosate and its salts, a gene encoding glyphosate-n-acetyltransferase, or a gene encoding glyphosate oxidoreductase. Further suitable herbicide tolerance traits include at least one ALS (acetolactate synthase) inhibitor (e.g., W02007 / 024782), a mutated Arabidopsis ALS / AHAS gene (e.g., U.S. Patent 6,855,533), genes encoding 2,4-D-monooxygenases conferring tolerance to 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and genes encoding Dicamba monooxygenases conferring tolerance to dicamba (3, 6-di chi oro-2 -methoxybenzoic acid).

[0048] Yet another example of such properties is resistance to one or more phytopathogenic fungi, for example Asian Soybean Rust. Among DNA sequences encoding proteins which confer properties of resistance to such diseases, mention will particularly be made of the genetic material from glycine tomentella, for example from any one of publicly available accession lines PI441001, PI483224, PI583970, PI446958, PI499939, PI505220, PI499933, PI441008, PI505256 or PI446961 as described in W02019 / 103918.

[0049] Further and particularly emphasized examples of such properties are increased resistance against bacteria and / or viruses owing, for example, to systemic acquired resistance (SAR), systemin, phytoalexins, elicitors and also resistance genes and correspondingly expressed proteins and toxins.

[0050] Crops may also be modified for enhanced resistance to fungal (for example Fusarium, Anthracnose, or Phytophthora), bacterial (for example Pseudomonas) or viral (for example potato leafroll virus, tomato spotted wilt virus, cucumber mosaic virus) pathogens.

[0051] Crops also include those that have enhanced resistance to nematodes, such as the soybean cyst nematode.

[0052] Representative transgenic events in transgenic plants or plant cultivars which can be treated in accordance with the disclosure include Event 531 / PV-GHBK04 (cotton, insect control, described in W02002 / 040677), Event 1143-14A (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in W02006 / 128569); Event 1143-5 IB (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in W02006 / 128570); Event 1445 (cotton, herbicide tolerance, not deposited, described in US-A 2002- 120964 or W02002 / 034946); Event 17053 (rice, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-9843, described in WO2010 / 117737); Event 17314 (rice, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-9844, described in WO2010 / 1 17735); Event 281-24-236 (cotton, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-6233, described in W02005 / 103266 or US-A 2005-216969); Event 3006-210-23 (cotton, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-6233, described in US-A 2007-143876 or W02005 / 103266); Event 3272 (corn, quality trait, deposited as PTA-9972, described in W02006 / 098952 or US-A-2006-230473); Event 33391 (wheat, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-2347, described in W02002 / 027004), Event 40416 (corn, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-11508, described in WO11 / 075593); Event 43A47 (com, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-11509, described in WO2011 / 075595); Event 5307 (corn, insect control, deposited as ATCC PTA- 9561, described in W02010 / 077816); Event ASR-368 (bent grass, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-4816, described in US-A 2006-162007 or W02004 / 053062); Event B 16 (corn, herbicide tolerance, not deposited, described in US-A-2003-126634); Event BPS-CV127- 9 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as NCIMB No. 41603, described in W02010 / 080829); Event BLRI (oilseed rape, restoration of male sterility, deposited as NCIMB 41193, described in W02005 / 074671), Event CE43-67B (cotton, insect control, deposited as DSM ACC2724, described in US-A-2009-217423 or W02006 / 128573); Event CE44-69D (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in USA-2010-0024077); Event CE44-69D (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in W02006 / 128571); Event CE46-02A (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in W02006 / 128572); Event COT102 (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in US-A 2006-130175 or W02004 / 039986); Event COT202 (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in US-A-2007-067868 or W02005 / 054479); Event COT203 (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in W02005 / 054480); ); Event DAS21606-311606 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-11028, described in WO2012 / 033794), Event DAS40278 (com, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-10244, described in WO201 1 / 022469); Event DAS-44406-6 / pD AB 8264.44.06.1 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-11336, described in WO2012 / 075426), Event DAS-14536-7 / pDAB8291.45.36.2 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-11335, described in WO2012 / 075429), Event DAS-59122-7 (corn, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA 11384, described in US-A 2006-070139); Event DAS-59132 (corn, insect control - herbicide tolerance, not deposited, described in W02009 / 100188); Event DAS68416 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA- 10442, described in WO2011 / 066384 or WO2011 / 066360); Event DP-098140-6 (com, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-8296, described in US-A 2009- 137395 or W02008 / 112019); Event DP-305423-1 (soybean, quality trait, not deposited, described in US-A-2008-312082 or W02008 / 054747); Event DP-32138-1 (com, hybridization system, deposited as ATCC PTA-9158, described in US-A-2009-0210970 or W02009 / 103049); Event DP-356043-5 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-8287, described in US-A 2010-0184079 or W02008 / 002872); Event EE-1 (brinjal, insect control, not deposited, described in WO 07 / 091277); Event Fil 17 (corn, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC 209031 , described in US-A 2006-059581 or W098 / 044140); Event FG72 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-11041, described in

[0053] WO201 1 / 063413), Event GA21 (com, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC 209033, described in US-A-2005-086719 or WO 98 / 044140); Event GG25 (corn, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC 209032, described in US-A 2005-188434 or W098 / 044140); Event GHB 119 (cotton, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA- 8398, described in W02008 / 151780); Event GHB614 (cotton, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-6878, described in US-A-2010-050282 or W02007 / 017186); Event GJ11 (corn, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC 209030, described in US-A 2005-188434 or WG98 / 044140); Event GM RZ13 (sugar beet, vims resistance, deposited as NCIMB-41601, described in W02010 / 076212); Event H7-I (sugar beet, herbicide tolerance, deposited as NCIMB 41158 or NCIMB 41159, described in US-A 2004-172669 or WO 2004 / 074492); Event JOPLINI (wheat, disease tolerance, not deposited, described in US-A-2008-064032); Event LL27 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as NCIMB41658, described in W02006 / 108674 or US-A-2008-320616); Event LL55 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as NCIMB 41660, described in WO 2006 / 108675 or US-A-2008-196127); Event LLcotton25 (cotton, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-3343, described in W02003 / 013224 or US-A-2003-097687); Event LLRICE06 (rice, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC 203353, described in US6,468,747 or W02000 / 026345); Event LLRice62 ( rice, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC 203352, described in W02000 / 026345), Event LLRICE601 (rice, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-2600, described in US-A-2008-2289060 or W02000 / 026356); Event LY038 (com, quality trait, deposited as ATCC PTA-5623, described in US-A-2007-028322 or W02005 / 061720); Event MIR162 (com, insect control, deposited as PTA- 8166, described in US-A-2009-300784 or W02007 / 142840); Event MIR604 (corn, insect control, not deposited, described in US-A-2008-167456 or W02005 / 103301); Event MON15985 (cotton, insect control, deposited as ATCC PTA- 2516, described in US-A-2004-250317 or W02002 / 100163); Event M0N810 (com, insect control, not deposited, described in US-A-2002- 102582); Event MON863 (com, insect control, deposited as ATCC PTA-2605, described in W02004 / 011601 or US-A-2006- 095986); Event MON87427 (com, pollination control, deposited as ATCC PTA-7899, described in WO2011 / 062904); Event MON87460 (corn, stress tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-8910, described in W02009 / 111263 or US-A-2011-0138504); Event MON87701 (soybean, insect control, deposited as ATCC PTA- 8194, described in US-A 2009- 130071 or W02009 / 064652); Event MON87705 (soybean, quality trait - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-9241, described in US-A-2010-0080887 or W02010 / 037016); Event MON87708 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-9670, described in WO2011 / 034704); Event MON87712 (soybean, yield, deposited as PTA-10296, described in W02012 / 051199), Event MON87754 (soybean, quality trait, deposited as ATCC PTA-9385, described in WO2010 / 024976); Event MON87769 (soybean, quality trait, deposited as ATCC PTA- 8911, described in US-A-2011-0067141 or W02009 / 102873); Event MON88017 (com, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-5582, described in US-A-2008-028482 or W02005 / 059103); Event MON88913 (cotton, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-4854, described in W02004 / 072235 or US-A-2006-059590); Event MON88302 (oilseed rape, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-10955, described in WO2011 / 153186), Event MON88701 (cotton, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-11754, described in WO2012 / 134808), Event MON89034 (com, insect control, deposited as ATCC PTA-7455, described in WO 07 / 140256 or US-A-2008-260932); Event MON89788 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-6708, described in US-A-2006-282915 or W02006 / 130436); Event MSI 1 (oilseed rape, pollination control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-850 or PTA-2485, described in W02001 / 031042); Event MS8 (oilseed rape, pollination control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-730, described in W02001 / 041558 or US-A-2003-188347); Event NK603 (com, herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-2478, described in US-A 2007-292854); Event PE-7 (rice, insect control, not deposited, described in W02008 / 114282); Event RF3 (oilseed rape, pollination control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-730, described in W02001 / 041558 or US-A-2003-188347); Event RT73 (oilseed rape, herbicide tolerance, not deposited, described in W02002 / 036831 or US-A-2008-070260); Event SYHT0H2 / SYN-000H2-5 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-11226, described in WO2012 / 082548), Event T227-1 (sugar beet, herbicide tolerance, not deposited, described in W02002 / 44407 or US-A-2009-265817); Event T25 (corn, herbicide tolerance, not deposited, described in US-A-2001-029014 or W02001 / 051654); Event T304-40 (cotton, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-8171, described in US-A-2010-077501 or W02008 / 122406); Event T342-142 (cotton, insect control, not deposited, described in W02006 / 128568); Event TC1507 (corn, insect control - herbicide tolerance, not deposited, described in US-A-2005-039226 or W02004 / 099447); Event VIP1034 (corn, insect control - herbicide tolerance, deposited as ATCC PTA-3925, described in W02003 / 052073), Event 32316 (com, insect control-herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA-11507, described in WO201 1 / 084632), Event 4114 (com, insect control-herbicide tolerance, deposited as PTA- 11506, described in W02011 / 084621), Event EE-GM3 / FG72 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession N° PTA-11041) optionally stacked with Event EE-GM1 / LL27 or Event EE- GM2 / LL55 (WO2011 / 063413 A2), Event DAS-68416-4 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession N° PTA-10442, WO2011 / 066360AI), Event DAS-68416-4 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession N° PTA-10442, WO2011 / 066384AI), Event DP-040416-8 (corn, insect control, ATCC Accession N° PTA-11508,

[0054] WO201 1 / 075593 Al), Event DP-043 A47-3 (com, insect control, ATCC Accession N° PTA-11509, WO2011 / 075595AI), Event DP- 004114-3 (corn, insect control, ATCC Accession N° PTA-11506, WO2011 / 084621 Al), Event DP-032316-8 (corn, insect control, ATCC Accession N° PTA-11507, WO2011 / 084632AI), Event MON-88302-9 (oilseed rape, herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession N° PTA-10955, WO2011 / 153186AI), Event DAS-21606-3 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession No. PTA-11028, WO2012 / 033794A2), Event MON-87712-4 (soybean, quality trait, ATCC Accession N°. PTA-10296, W02012 / 051199A2), Event DAS-44406-6 (soybean, stacked herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession N°. PTA-11336, WO2012 / 075426 Al), Event DAS-14536-7 (soybean, stacked herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession N°. PTA-11335,

[0055] WO20 12 / 075429 Al), Event SYN-000H2-5 (soybean, herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession N°. PTA-11226, WO2012 / 082548 A2), Event DP-061061-7 (oilseed rape, herbicide tolerance, no deposit N° available, W02012071039AI), Event DP-073496-4 (oilseed rape, herbicide tolerance, no deposit N° available, US2012131692), Event 8264.44.06.1 (soybean, stacked herbicide tolerance, Accession N° PTA-11336, WO2012075426A2), Event 8291.45.36.2 (soybean, stacked herbicide tolerance, Accession N°. PTA-11335, WO2012075429 A2), Event SYHT0H2 (soybean, ATCC Accession N°. PTA-11226, WO2012 / 082548A2), Event MON88701 (cotton, ATCC Accession N° PTA- 11754, WO2012 / 134808AI), Event KK179-2 (alfalfa, ATCC Accession N° PTA-11833, W02013 / 003558AI), Event pDAB8264.42.32.1 (soybean, stacked herbicide tolerance, ATCC Accession N° PTA-11993, WG2013 / 010094 Al), and Event MZDT09Y (com, ATCC Accession N° PTA-13025, WO2013 / 012775AI).

[0056] Further, a list of such transgenic event(s) is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and can be found on their website on the world wide web at aphis.usda.gov. For this application, the status of such list as it is / was on the filing date of this application, is relevant. The genes / events which impart the desired traits in question may also be present in combination with one another in the transgenic plants. Examples of transgenic plants which may be mentioned are the important crop plants, such as cereals (wheat, rice, triticale, barley, rye, oats), maize, soya beans, potatoes, sugar beet, sugar cane, tomatoes, peas and other types of vegetable, cotton, tobacco, oilseed rape and also fruit plants (with the fruits apples, pears, citrus fruits and grapes), with particular emphasis being given to maize, soya beans, wheat, rice, potatoes, cotton, sugar cane, tobacco and oilseed rape. Traits which are particularly emphasized are the increased resistance of the plants to insects, arachnids, nematodes and slugs and snails, as well as the increased resistance of the plants to one or more herbicides.

[0057] Commercially available examples of such plants, plant parts, or plant propagation materials, such as seeds, that may be treated with preference in accordance with the present disclosure include commercial products, such as plant seeds, sold or distributed under the GENUITY®, DROUGHTGARD®, SMARTSTAX®, RIB COMPLETE®, ROUNDUP READY®, VT DOUBLE PRO®, VT TRIPLE PRO®, BOLLGARD II®, ROUNDUP READY 2 YIELD®, YIELDGARD®, ROUNDUP READY® 2 XTEND™, INTACTA RR2 PRO®, VISTIVE GOLD®, and / or XTENDFLEX™ trade names.

[0058] Plants and plant cultivars which may also be treated according to the present disclosure are those plants which are resistant to one or more abiotic stresses, i.e., that already exhibit an increased plant health with respect to stress tolerance. Abiotic stress conditions may include, for example, drought, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, flooding, increased soil salinity, increased mineral exposure, ozone exposure, high light exposure, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, limited availability of phosphorus nutrients, shade avoidance. Preferably, the treatment of these plants and cultivars with the composition of the present disclosure additionally increases the overall plant health.

[0059] Plants and plant cultivars which may also be treated according to the present disclosure, are those plants characterized by enhanced yield characteristics i.e., that already exhibit an increased plant health with respect to this feature. Increased yield in said plants can be the result of, for example, improved plant physiology, growth and development, such as water use efficiency, water retention efficiency, improved nitrogen use, enhanced carbon assimilation, improved photosynthesis, increased germination efficiency and accelerated maturation. Yield can furthermore be affected by improved plant architecture (under stress and non-stress conditions), including but not limited to, early flowering, flowering control for hybrid seed production, seedling vigor, plant size, internode number and distance, root growth, seed size, fruit size, pod size, pod or ear number, seed number per pod or ear, seed mass, enhanced seed filling, reduced seed dispersal, reduced pod dehiscence and lodging resistance. Further yield traits include seed composition, such as carbohydrate content, protein content, oil content and composition, nutritional value, reduction in anti -nutritional compounds, improved processability and better storage stability. Preferably, the treatment of these plants and cultivars with the composition of the present disclosure additionally increases the overall plant health.

[0060] In one aspect, when pelargonic acid or its salts, esters or amides are applied to the useful plant, such plant demonstrates better defense against biotic stresses caused by plant pests.

[0061] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure may protect useful plants from plant pests including: those from the phylum of the Arthropoda, in particular from the class of the Arachnida, for example Acarus spp., for example Acarus siro, Aceria kuko. Aceria sheldoni. Aculops spp., Aculus spp., for example Aculus fockeui. Aculus schlechlendctli. Amblyomma spp., Amphitetranychus viennensis. Argas spp., Boophilus spp., Brevipalpus spp., for example Brevipalpus phoenicis. Bryobia gr ami num. Bryobia praeliosa. Centruroides spp., Chorioptes spp., Dermanyssus gallinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides fctrinae. Dermacentor spp., Eotetranychus spp., for example Eotetranychus hicoriae. Epitrimerus pyri, Eutetranychus spp., for example Eutetranychus banksi. Er iophy es spp., for example Er iophy es pyri, Glycyphagus domesticus, Halotydeus destructor, Hemitar sonemus spp., for example Hemitar sonemus latus (=Polyphagotarsonemus latus), Hyalomma spp., Ixodes spp., Latrodectus spp., Loxosceles spp., Neutrombicula autumnalis, Nuphersa spp., Oligonychus spp., for example Oligonychus coffeae, Oligonychus coniferarum, Oligonychus ilicis, Oligonychus indicus, Oligonychus mangiferus, Oligonychus pratensis, Oligonychus punicae, Oligonychus yothersi, Omithodorus spp., Omithonyssus spp., Panonychus spp., for example Panonychus citri (=Metatetranychus citri), Panonychus ulmi (=Metatetranychus ulmi), Phyllocoptruta oleivora, Platytetranychus multidigituli, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Psoroptes spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Rhizoglyphus spp., Sarcoptes spp., Scorpio maurus, Steneotarsonemus spp., Steneotarsonemus spinki, Tarsonemus spp., for example Tarsonemus confusus, Tarsonemus pallidus, Tetranychus spp., for example Tetranychus canadensis, Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Tetranychus turkestani, Tetranychus urticae, Trombicula alfreddugesi, Vaejovis spp., or Vasates lycopersicv, those from the class of the Chilopoda, for example Geophilus spp., or Scutigera spp.; from the order or the class of the Collembola, for example Onychiurus armatus,' or Sminthurus viridis,' those from the class of the Diplopoda, for example Blaniulus guttulatus,' those from the class of the Insecta, for example from the order of the Blattodea, for example Blatta orientalis, Blattella asahinai, Blattella germanica, Leucophaea maderae, Loboptera decipiens, Neostylopyga rhombifolia, Panchlora spp., Parcoblatta spp., Periplaneta spp., for example Periplaneta americana, Periplaneta australasiae, Pycnoscelus surinamensis, or Supella longipalpa, those from the order of the Coleoptera, for example Acalymma vittatum, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Adoretus spp., Aethina tumida, Agelastica alni, Agrilus spp., for example Agrilus planipennis, Agrilus coxalis, Agrilus bilineatus, Agrilus anxius, Agriotes spp., for example Agriotes linneatus, Agriotes mancus, Alphitobius diaperinus, Altica chalybea, Amphimallon solstitialis, Anobium punctatum, Anoplophora spp., for example Anoplophora glabripennis, Anthonomus spp., for example Anthonomus grandis or Anthonomus rubi, Anthrenus spp., Apion spp., Apogonia spp., Atomaria spp., for example Atomaria linearis, Attagenus spp., Baris caerulescens, Bruchidius obleclus, Bruchus spp., for example Bruchus pisorum, Bruchus riifi mantis, Cassida spp., Cerotoma trifur cata, Ceutorrhynchus spp., for example Ceutorhynchus assimilis, Ceutorhynchus napi Gyll., Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus, Ceutorhynchus picilarsis, Ceutorhynchus quadridens, Ceutorhynchus rapae, Chaetocnema spp., for example Chaetocnema confinis, Chaetocnema denticulata, Chaetocnema ectypa, Chaetocnema pulicaria, Cleonus mendicus, Conoderus spp., Cosmopolites spp., for example Cosmopolites sordidus, Costelytra zealandica, Crioceris spp., for example Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Ctenicera spp., Curculio spp., for example Curculio caryae, Curculio caryatrypes, Curculio obtusus, Curculio sayi, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Cryptolestes pusillus, Cryptorhynchus lapathi, Cryptorhynchus mangiferae, Cylindrocopturus spp., Cylindr ocopturus adspersus, Cylindrocopturus fumissi, Dendroctonus spp., for example Dendroctonus ponderosae, Dermestes spp., Diabrotica spp., for example Diabrotica balteata, Diabrotica barberi, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecimpunctata, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, Diabrotica virgifera zeae, Dichocrocis spp., Dicladispa armigera, Diloboderus spp., Disonycha xanthomelas, family Elater idae, Epicaerus spp., Epicauta spp., Epilachna spp., for example Epilachna borealis, Epilachna varivestis, Epitrix spp., for example Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Epitrix hirtipennis, Epitrix subcrinita, Epitrix tuberis, Faustinus spp., Gibbium psylloides, Gnathocerus comutus, Harmonia axyridis, Hellula undalis, Heteronychus arator, Heteronyx spp., Hylamorpha elegans, Hylotrupes bajulus, Hypera postica, Hypomeces squamosus, Hypothenemus spp., for example Hypothenemus hampei, Hypothenemus obscurus, Hypothenemus pubescens, Lachnostema consanguinea, Lasioderma serricome, Latheticus oryzae, Lathridius spp., Lerna spp., Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Leucoptera spp., for example Leucoptera coffeella, Limonius ectypus, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Listronotus (= Hyperodes) spp., for example, Listronotus oregonensis, Lixus spp., Luperodes spp., Luperomorpha xanthodera, Lyctus spp., Megacyllene spp., for example Megacyllene robiniae, Megascelis spp., Melanotus spp., for example Melanotus communis, Melanotus longulus oregonensis, Meligethes aeneus, Melolontha spp., for example Melolontha melolontha, Metriona bicolor, Migdolus s^.,Monochamus spp., Naupactus xanthographus, Necrobia spp., Neogalerucella spp., Niptus hololeucus, Oryctes rhinoceros, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Oryzaphagus oryzae, Otiorhynchus spp., for example Otiorhynchus cribricollis, Otiorhynchus liguslici, Otiorhynchus ovatus, Otiorhynchus rugososlriarus, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Oulema spp., for example Oulema melanopus, Oulema oryzae, Oxycetonia jucunda, Phaedon cochleariae, Phyllophaga spp., Phyllophaga heller i, Phyllotreta spp., for example Phyllotreta armoraciae, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta pusilia, Phyllotreta ramosa, Phyllotreta striolata, Popillia japonica, Premnotrypes spp., Prostephanus truncatus, Psylliodes spp., for example Psylliodes affmis, Psylliodes chrysocephala, Psylliodes punctulata, Ptinus spp., Rhizobius ventralis, Rhizopertha dominica, Rhynchophorus spp., Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Rhynchophorus palmarum, family Scarabaeidae , Scolytus spp., for example Scolytus multistriatus, Sinoxylon perforans, Sitophilus spp., for example Sitophilus granarius, Sitophilus linearis, Sitophilus oryzae, Sitophilus zeamais, Sphenophorus spp., for example Sphenophorous maidis, Stegobium paniceum, Stemechus spp., for example Stemechus paludatus, Symphyletes spp., Systena spp., Systena blanda, Tanymecus spp., for example Tanymecus dilaticollis, Tanymecus indicus, Tanymecus palliatus, Tenebrio molitor , Tenebrioides mauretanicus, Tribolium spp., for example Tribolium audax, Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum, Trogoderma spp., Tychius spp., Xylotrechus spp., for example Xylotrechus quadripes, or Zabrus spp., for example Zabrus tenebrioides,' those from the order of the Dermaptera, for example Anisolabis maritime, Forficula auricularia, or Labidura riparia,' those from the order of the Diptera, for example Aedes spp., for example Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes sticticus, Aedes vexans, Agromyza spp., for example Agromyza frontella, Agromyza oryzae, Agromyza parvicomis, Anastrepha spp., for example Anastrepha fraterculus, Anastrepha ludens, Anastrepha obliqua, Anopheles spp., for example Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Anopheles gambiae, Asphondylia spp., Bactrocera spp., for example Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera cucurbitae, Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera oleae, Bactrocera tyroni, Bactrocera zonata, Bibio hortulanus, Calliphora erythrocephala, Calliphora vicina, Ceratitis capitata, Chironomus spp., Chlor ops oryzae, Chrysomya spp., Chrysops spp., Chrysozona pluvialis, Cochliomya spp., Contarinia spp., for example Contariniajohnsoni, Contarinia nasturtii, Contarinia pyrivora, Contarinia schulzi, Contarinia sorghicola, Contarinia tritici, Cordylobia anthropophaga, Cricotopus sylvestris, Culex spp., for example Culex pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culicoides spp., Culiseta spp., Cuterebra spp., Dacus oleae. Dasineura spp., for example Dasineura brassicas . Delia spp., for example Delia anliqua. Delia coarclala. Delia florilega, Delia platura, Delia radicum. Dermatobia hominis. Drosophila spp., for example Drosphila melanogaster , Drosophila suzukii. Echinocnemus spp., Euleia heraclei. Fannia spp., Gaster ophilus spp., Glossina spp., Haematopota spp., Hydrellia spp., Hydrellia griseola. Hylemya spp., Hippobosca spp., Hypoderma spp., Liriomyza spp., for example Liriomyza brassicae, Liriomyza huidobrensis. Liriomyza salivae. Lucilia spp., for example Lucilia cuprina. Lutzomyia spp., Mansonia spp., Musca spp., for example Musca domeslica. Musca domestica vicina. Oestrus spp., Ophiomyia simplex, Oscinella frit, P ar atany tarsus spp., Paralauterbomiella subcincta, Pegomya or Pegomyia spp., for example Pegomya betae, Pegomya hyoscyami, Pegomya rubivora, Phlebotomus spp., Phorbia spp., Phormia spp., Phytomyza gymnostoma, Piophila casei, Platyparea poeciloptera, Prodiplosis spp., Psila rosae, Rhagoletis spp., for example Rhagoletis cingulata, Rhagoletis completa, Rhagoletis fausta, Rhagoletis indiffer ens, Rhagoletis mendax, Rhagoletis pomonella, Sarcophaga spp., Simulium spp., for example Simulium meridionale, Stomoxys spp., Tabanus spp., Tetanops spp., Tipula spp., for example Tipula paludosa, Tipula simplex, Toxotrypana curvicauda, Tritoxa flexa or Zonosemata electa. those from the order of the Hemiptera, for example Acizzia acaciaebaileyanae, Acizzia dodonaeae, Acizzia uncatoides, Acrida turrita, Acyrthosipon spp., for example Acyrthosiphon pisum, Acrogonia spp., Aeneolamia spp., Agonoscena spp., Aleurocanthus spp., Aleyrodes proletella, Aleurolobus barodensis, Aleurothrixus floccosus, Allocaridara malayensis, Amrasca spp., for example Amrasca bigutulla, Amrasca devastans, Anuraphis cardui, Aonidiella spp., for example Aonidiella aurantii, Aonidiella citrina, Aonidiella inomata, Aphanostigma piri, Aphis spp., for example Aphis citricola, Aphis craccivora, Aphis fabae, Aphis forbesi, Aphis glycines, Aphis gossypii, Aphis hederae, Aphis illinoisensis, Aphis middletoni, Aphis nasturtii, Aphis nerii, Aphis pomi, Aphis spiraecola, Aphis vibumiphila, Arbor idia apicalis, Arytainilla spp., Aspidiella spp., Aspidiotus spp., for example Aspidiotus nerii, Atanus spp., Aulacorthum solani, Bemisia spp., for example Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci, Blastopsylla occidentalis, Boreioglycaspis melaleucae, Brachycaudus helichrysi, Brachycolus spp., Brevicoryne brassicae, Cacopsylla spp., for example Cacopsylla pyri, Cacopsylla pyricola, Calligypona marginata, Capulinia spp., Cameocephala fulgida, Ceratovacuna lanigera, Cercopidae, Ceroplastes spp., Chaetosiphon fragaefolii. Chionaspis legalensis. Chlorita onukii. Chondracris rosea, Chromaphis juglandicola, Chrysomphalus aonidum, Chrysomphalus ficus, Cicadulina mbila, Coccomytilus halli, Coccus spp., for example Coccus hesperidum, Coccus longulus, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum, Coccus viridis, Cryptomyzus ribis, Cryptoneossa spp., Ctenarytaina spp., Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Dalbulus spp., for example Dalbulus maidis, Dialeurodes chittendeni, Dialeurodes citri, Diaphorina citri, Diaspis spp., Diur aphis spp., Doralis spp., Draeculacephala spp., Drosicha spp., Dysaphis spp., for example Dysaphis apiifolia, Dysaphis plantaginea, Dysaphis tulipae, Dysmicoccus spp., Empoasca spp., for example Empoasca abrupta, Empoasca fabae, Empoasca maligna, Empoasca solana, Empoasca stevensi, Er iosoma spp., for example Eriosoma americanum, Er iosoma lanigerum, Eriosoma pyricola, Erythroneura spp., for example Erythroneura vitis, Eucalyptolyma spp., Euphyllura spp., for example Euphyllura olivina, Euscelis bilobatus, Ferrisia spp., Fiorinia spp., Furcaspis oceanica, Geococcus cofifeae, Glycaspis spp., Graphocephala versuta, Heteropsylla cubana, Heteropsylla spinulosa, Homalodisca vitripennis, Hyalopterus arundinis, Hyalopterus pruni, Icerya spp., for example Icerya purchasi, Idiocerus spp., Idioscopus spp., Laodelphax striatellus, Lecanium spp., for example Lecanium comi (=Parthenolecanium corni), Lepidosaphes spp., for example Lepidosaphes ulmi, Lipaphis erysimi, Lopholeucaspis japonica, Lycorma delicatula, Macrosiphum spp., for example Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Macrosiphum lilii, Macrosiphum rosae, Macrosteles facifrons, Mahanarva spp., Melanaphis sacchari, Metcalfiella spp., Metcalfa pruinosa, Metopolophium dirhodum, Monellia costalis, Monelliopsis pecanis, Myzus spp., for example Myzus ascalonicus, Myzus cerasi, Myzus ligustri, Myzus omatus, Myzus persicae, Myzus nicotianae, Nasonovia ribisnigri, Neomaskellia spp., Nephotettix spp., for example Nephotettix cincticeps, Nephotettix nigropictus, Nephotettix virescens, Nettigoniclla spectra, Nilaparvata lugens, Oncometopia spp., for example Oncometopia orbona, Orthezia praelonga, Oxya chinensis, Pachypsylla spp., Parabemisia myricae, Paratrioza spp., for example Paratrioza cockerelli, Parlatoria spp., for example Parlatoria oleae, Pemphigus spp., for example Pemphigus bursarius, Pemphigus populivenae, Peregrinus maidis, Perkinsiella spp., Phenacoccus spp., for example Phenacoccus madeirensis, Philaenus spumarius, Phloeomyzus passerinii, Phorodon humuli, Phylloxera spp., for example Phylloxera devastatrix, Phylloxera notabilis, Pinnaspis aspidistrae, Pianococcus spp., for example Pianococcus citri, Prosopidopsylla flava, Protopulvinaria pyriformis, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, Pseudococcus spp., for example Pseudococcus calceolariae. Pseudococcus comstocki, Pseudococcus longispinus. Pseudococcus marilimus. Pseudococcus vibumi, Psyllopsis spp., Psylla spp., for example Psylla buxi, Psylla mail. Psylla pyri, Pteromalus spp., Pulvinaria spp., Pyrilla spp., Quadraspidiotus spp., for example Quadraspidiotus juglansregiae. Quadraspidiotus oslreaeformis. Quadraspidiotus pemiciosus. Quesada gigas, Rastrococcus spp., Rhopalosiphum spp., for example Rhopalosiphum maidis. Rhopalosiphum oxyacanlhae. Rhopalosiphum padi, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale , Saissetia spp., for example Saissetia coffeae, Saissetia miranda. Saissetia neglecla. Saissetia oleae. Scaphoideus titanus, Schizaphis graminum, Selenaspidus arliculalus, Sipha flava, Sitobion avenae, Sogata spp., Sogatella furcifera, Sogatodes spp., Stictocephala feslina, Siphoninus phillyreae, Tenalaphara malayensis. Telragonocephela spp., Tinocallis caryaefoliae, Tomaspis spp., Toxoptera spp., for example Toxoptera auranlii, Toxoptera citricidus, Trialeurodes spp., for example Trialeurodes abutiloneus, Trialeurodes vapor ar iorum, Trioza spp., for example Trioza diospyri, Typhlocyba spp., Unaspis spp., Viteus vitifolii, or Zygina spp.; those from the suborder of the Heteroptera, for example Aelia spp., Anasa tristis, Antestiopsis spp., Boisea spp., Blissus spp., Calocoris spp., Campylomma livida, Cavelerius spp., Chinavia hilaris, Cimex spp., for example Cimex adjunctus, Cimex hemipterus, Cimex lectularius, Cimex pilosellus, Collaria spp., Creontiades dilutus, Dasynus piper is, Dichelops spp., for example Dichelops furcatus, Dichelops melacantus, Diconocoris hewetti, Dysdercus spp., Euschistus spp., for example Euschistus her os, Euschistus servus, Euschistus tristigmus, Euschistus variolarius, Eurydema spp., Eurygaster spp., Halyomorpha halys, Heliopeltis spp., Horcias nobilellus, Leptocorisa spp., Leptocorisa varicomis, Leptoglossus occidentalis, Leptoglossus phyllopus, Lygocoris spp., for example Lygocoris pabulinus, Lygus spp., for example Lygus elisus, Lygus hesperus, Lygus lineolaris, Macropes excavatus, Megacopta cribraria, Miridae, Monalonion atratum, Nezara spp., for example Nezara viridula, Nysius spp., Oebalus spp., Oebalus pugnax, family Pentomidae, Piesma quadrata, Piezodorus spp., for example Piezodorus guildinii, Psallus spp., Pseudacysta per sea, Rhodnius spp., Sahlbergella singularis, Scaptocoris castanea, Scotinophora spp., Stephanitis nashi, Tibraca spp., or Triatoma spp.; those from the order of the Homoptera, for example, Acyrthosipon spp., Aeneolamia spp., Agonoscena spp., Aleurodes spp., Aleurolobus barodensis, Aleurothrixus spp., family Aleyrodidcte. Amrasca spp., Anuraphis cardui. Aonidiella spp., Aphanostigma piri, Aphis spp., Arboridia apicalis. Aspidiella spp., Atanus spp., Aulacorthum solani, Brachycaudus helichrysii. Brachycolus spp., Brachycorynella asparagi, Brevicoryne brassicas . Calligypona marginala. Carneocephala fulgida, Ceratovacuna lanigera. Cercopidae, Ceroplastes spp., Chaetosiphon fragaefolu, Chionaspis legalensis. Chlorita onukii. Chromaphis jiiglandicola. Chrysomphalus ficus, Cicadulina mbila, Coccomytilus halli. Coccus spp., Cryptomyzus ribis, Dialeurodes spp., Diaphorina spp., Diaspis spp., Doralis spp., Drosicha spp., Dysaphis spp., Dysmicoccus spp., Empoasca spp., Eriosoma spp., Euscelis bilobalus. Geococcus coffeae, Hyalopterus arundinis, leery a spp., Idiocerus spp., Idioscopus spp., Laodelphax striate Hus, Lecanium spp., Lepidosaphes spp., Lipaphis erysimi. Macrosiphum spp., Macrosteles quadri Husains, Mahanarva fimbriolata, Melanaphis sacchari, Metcalfiella spp., Metopolophium dirhodum, Monellia costalis, Monelliopsis pecanis, Myzus spp., Nasonovia ribisnigri, Orthezia praelonga, Parabemisia myricae, Paratrioza spp., Pemphigus spp., Peregrinus maidis, Phenacoccus spp., Phloeomyzus passer inti, Phorodon humuli. Phylloxera spp., Pinnaspis aspidistras. Pianococcus spp., Protopulvinaria pyriformis, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona. Pseudococcus spp., Psylla spp., Pteromalus spp., Pyrilla spp., Quadraspidiotus spp., Quesada gigas, Rastrococcus spp., Rhopalosiphum spp., Saissetia spp., Scaphoides titanus, Schizaphis graminum, Selenaspidus articulatus, Sogata spp., Sogatodes spp., Spissistilus festinus, Stictocephala festina, Tenalaphara malayensis, Tinocallis caryaefoliae, Tomaspis spp., Toxoptera spp., Trioza spp., Typhlocyba spp., Unaspis spp., or Viteus vitifolir, those from the order of the Hymenoptera, for example Acromyrmex spp., Athalia spp., for example Athalia rosae, Atta spp., Camponotus spp., Dolichovespula spp., Diprion spp., for example Diprion similis, Hoplocampa spp., for example Hoplocampa cookei, Hoplocampa testudinea, Lasius spp., Linepithema (Iridiomyrmex') humile, Monomorium pharaonis, Paratrechina spp., Paravespula spp., Plagiolepis spp., Sirex spp., for example Sirex noctilio, Solenopsis invicta, Tapinoma spp., Technomyrmex albipes, Urocerus spp., Vespa spp., for example Vespa crabro, Wasmannia auropunctata, Xeris spp.; from the order of the Isopoda, for example Armadillidium vulgare, Oniscus asellus, Porcellio scaber : from the order of the Isoptera, for example Coptotermes spp., for example Coptotermes formosanus, Comitermes c u m u Ians, Cryptotermes spp., Incisitermes spp., Kalotermes spp., Microtermes obesi, Nasutitermes spp., Odontotermes spp., Porotermes spp., or Reticulitermes spp., for example Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes hesperus: those from the order of the Lepidoptera, for example Achroia prise Ila. Acronicta major, Adoxophyes spp., for example Adoxophyes orana, Aedia leucomelas, Agrotis spp., for example Agrotis c-nigrum, Agrotis ipsilon, Agrotis segelum, Alabama spp., for example Alabama argillacea, Amyelois Iransilella, Anarsia spp., Anticarsia spp., for example Anticarsia gemmalalis, Argyroploce spp., Autographa spp., Barathra brassicae, Blastodacna alra, Borbo cinnara, Bucculatrix ihurberiella, Bupalus piniarius, Busseola spp., Cacoecia spp., Caloptilia theivora, Capua reliculana, Carpocapsa pomonella, Carposina niponensis, Cheimatobia brumala, Chilo spp., for example Chilo plejadellus, Chilo suppressalis, Choreutis pari ana, Choristoneura spp., Chrysodeixis chalciles, Clysia ambiguella, Cnaphalocerus spp., Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Cnephasia spp., Colias eurylheme, Conopomorpha spp., Conotrachelus spp., Copitarsia spp., Cydia spp., for example Cydia nigricana, Cydia pomonella, Dalaca noctuides, Diaphania spp., Dipar op sis spp., Diatraea saccharalis, Dioryctria spp., for example Dioryctria zimmermani, Earias spp., Ecdytolopha aur antium, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Eldana saccharina, Ephestia spp., for example Ephestia elutella, Ephestia kuehniella, Epinotia spp., Epiphyas postvittana, Erannis spp., Erschoviella musculana, Etiella spp., Eudocima spp., Eulia spp., Eupoecilia ambiguella, Euproctis spp., for example Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Euxoa spp., Euzophera semifuneralis, Evergestos rimosalis, Feltia spp., Galleria mellonella, Gracillaria spp., Grapholitha spp., for example Grapholita molesta, Grapholita prunivora, Hedylepta spp., Helicoverpa spp., for example Helicoverpa armigera, Helicoverpa zea, Heliothis spp., for example Heliothis virescens, Hoffnannophila pseudospretella, Homoeosoma spp., Homona spp., Hyponomeuta padella, Kakivoria flavofasciata, Lampides spp., Laphygma spp., Laspeyresia molesta, Leucinodes orbonalis, Leucoptera spp., for example Leucoptera coffeella, Lithocolletis spp., for example Lithocolletis blancardella, Lithophane antennata, Lobesia spp., for example Lobesia botrana, Loxagrotis albicosta, Lymantria spp., for example Lymantria dispar, Lyonetia spp., for example Lyonetia clerkella, Malacosoma neustria, Mamestra brassicae, Manduca spp., for example, Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Maruca testulalis, Melanitis leda, Melittia cucurbitae, Mods spp., Monopis obviella, Mythimna separata, Nemapogon cloacellus, family Noctuidae, Nymphula spp., Oiketicus spp., Omphisa spp., Operophtera spp., Oria spp., Orthaga spp., Ostrinia spp., for example Ostrinia nubilalis. Panolis flam meet, Pamara spp., Paralobesia viteana, Pectinophora spp., for example Pectinophora gossypiella, Peridroma saucia. Perileucoptera spp., Phthorimaea spp., for example Phthorimaea operciilella, Phyllocnistis cilrella. Phyllonorycter spp., for example Phyllonorycter blancardella. Phyllonorycter cralaegella, Pieris spp., for example Pieris rapae, Plathypena scabra. Platynota slullana. Plodia inter puncte Ila, Plusia spp., Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis , Podesia spp., for example Podesia syringae. Prays spp., Prodenia spp., Protoparce spp., Pseudaletia spp., for example Pseudaletia iinipiincla, Pseudoplusia includens, Ptorimaea operciilella, Pyrausta nubilalis, Rachiplusia nu, Schoenobius spp., for example Schoenobius bipunctifer, Scirpophaga spp., for example Scirpophaga innotata, Scirpophaga incertulas, Scotia segetum, Sesamia spp., for example Sesamia inferens, Sparganothis spp., Spodoptera spp., for example Spodoptera eradiana, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera praefica, Stathmopoda spp., Stenoma spp., Stomopteryx subsecivella, Striacosta albicosta, Synanthedon spp., Tecia solanivora, Thaumetopoea spp., Thermesia gemmatalis, Tinea cloacella, Tinea pellionella, Tineola bisselliella, Tortrix spp., for example Tortrix velutinana, Trichophaga tapetzella, Trichoplusia spp., for example Trichoplusia ni, Tryporyza incertulas, Tuta absoluta, or Virachola spp.; those from the order of the Orthoptera or Saltatoria, for example Acheta domesticus, Dichroplus spp., Gryllotalpa spp., for example Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, Hieroglyphus spp., Locusta spp., for example Locusta migratoria, Melanoplus spp., for example Melanoplus devastator, Melanoplus differentialis, Melanoplus femurrubrum, Paratlanticus ussuriensis, or Schistocerca gregaria,' those from the order of the Phthiraptera, for example Damalinia spp., Haematopinus spp., Linognathus spp., Pediculus spp., Phylloxera vastatrix, Phthirus pubis, or Trichodectes spp.; those from the order of the Psocoptera, for example Lepinotus spp., or Liposcelis spp.; those from the order of the Siphonaptera, for example, Ceratophyllus spp., Ctenocephalides spp., for example Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans, Tunga penetrans, or Xenopsylla cheopis,' those from the order of the Thysanoptera, for example Anaphothrips obscurus, Baliothrips biformis, Chaetanaphothrips leeuweni, Drepanothrips reuteri, Enneothrips flavens, Frankliniella spp., for example Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella occidentalism Frankliniella schultzei. Frankliniella trilici. Frankliniella vaccinii. Frankliniella w illiamsi. Haplothrips spp., Heli othr ips spp., Hercinothrips femoralis. Kakothrips spp., Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus, Scirtothrips spp., Taeniothrips cardamomi. or Thrips spp., for example Thrips palmi. Thrips labaci: those from the order of the Zygentoma (= Thysanura), for example Ctenolepisma spp., Fepisma saccharina. Fepismodes inquiliniis. or Thermobia domeslica: those from the class of the Symphyla, for example Scutigerella spp., for example Scutigerella immaciilala those pests from the phylum of the Mollusca, for example from the class of the Bivalvia, for example Dreissena spp., and also from the class of the Gastropoda, for example Arion spp., for example Arion ater riiflis. Biomphalaria spp., Bulinus spp., Deroceras spp., for example Deroceras laeve. Galba spp., Fymnaea spp., Oncomelania spp., Pomacea spp., or Succinea spp.; those plant pests from the phylum of the Nematoda, i.e., phytoparasitic nematodes, in particular Aglenchus spp., for example Aglenchus agricola, Anguina spp., for example Anguina tritici, Aphelenchoides spp., for example Aphelenchoides arachidis, Aphelenchoides fragariae, Belonolaimus spp., for example Belonolaimus gracilis, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, Belonolaimus nortoni, Bursaphelenchus spp., for example Bursaphelenchus cocophilus, Bursaphelenchus eremus, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Cacopaurus spp., for example Cacopaurus pestis, Criconemella spp., for example Criconemella curvata, Criconemella onoensis, Criconemella omata, Criconemella rusium, Criconemella xenoplax (= Mesocriconema xe nop lax), Criconemoides spp., for example Criconemoides femiae, Criconemoides onoense, Criconemoides omatum, Ditylenchus spp., for example Ditylenchus dipsaci, Dolichodorus spp., Globodera spp., for example Globodera pallida, Globodera rostochiensis, Helicotylenchus spp., for example Helicotylenchus dihystera, Hemicriconemoides spp., Hemicycliophora spp., Heterodera spp., for example Heterodera avenae, Heterodera glycines, Heterodera schachtii, Hirschmaniella spp., Hoplolaimus spp., Longidorus spp., for example Longidorus africanus, Meloidogyne spp., for example Meloidogyne chitwoodi, Meloidogyne f allax, Meloidogyne hapla, Meloidogyne incognita, Meloinema spp., Nacobbus spp., Neotylenchus spp., ., Paralongidorus spp., Paraphelenchus spp., Paratrichodorus spp., for example Paratrichodorus minor, Paratylenchus spp., Pratylenchus spp., for example Pratylenchus penetrans, Pseudohalenchus spp., Psilenchus spp., Punctodera spp., Quinisulcius spp., Radopholus spp., for example Radopholus citrophilus, Radopholus similis, Rotylenchulus spp., Rotylenchus spp., Scutellonema spp., Subanguina spp., Trichodorus spp., for example Trichodorus obtusus, Trichodorus primitivus, Tylenchorhynchus spp., for example Tylenchorhynchus annulatus, Tylenchulus spp., for example Tylenchulus semipenetrans, or Xiphinema spp., for example Xiphinema index.

[0062] In one aspect, the useful plants are Cereals, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Erthesina fullo, Meloidogyne graminicola, Schizaphis graminum, Sitobion avenae, Rhopalosiphum padi, or Metopolophium dirhodum.

[0063] In one aspect, the useful plants are Com or Sorghum, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Oligonychus pratensis, Tetranychus urticae, Agriotes linneatus, Chaetocnema pulicaria, Diabrotica spp., preferably Diabrotica barberi, Diabrotica speciosa, or Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, Melanotus communis, Sphenophorous maidis, Delia platura, Dalbulus maidis, Erthesina fullo, Rhopalosiphum spp., preferably Rhopalosiphum maidis, o Rhopalosiphum padi, Dichelops melacanthus, Agrotis ipsilon, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Helicoverpa spp., preferably Helicoverpa armigera or Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis, Spodoptera frugiperda, Striacosta albicosta, or Frankliniella spp., preferably Frankliniella occidentalis or Frankliniella williamsi.

[0064] In one aspect, the useful plant is Cotton, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Anthonomus grandis; Diabrotica speciosa, Aphis spp., preferably Aphis craccivora, or Aphis gossypii, Bemisia spp., preferably Bemisia argentifolii and Bemisia tabaci,Myzus persicae, Trialeurodes spp., preferably Trialeurodes abutiloneus and Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Erthesina fullo, Euschistus heros, Helicoverpa armigera, Pectinophora gossypiella, Frankliniella spp., preferably Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella occidentalis and Frankliniella tritici, or Thrips tabaci.

[0065] In one aspect, the useful plant is Oilseed rape, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Ceutorhynchus spp., preferably Ceutorhynchus assimilis, Ceutorhynchus napi Gyll, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus, Ceutorhynchus picitarsis, Ceutorhynchus quadridens, or Ceutorhynchus rapae, Diabrotica speciosa, Meligethes aeneus, Phyllotreta spp., Psylliodes spp., preferably Psylliodes chrysocephala; Erthesina fullo, or Myzus persicae.

[0066] In one aspect, the useful plants are Perennial crops, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urlicae. Altica chalybea, Diabrotica speciosa, Harmonia axyridis, Hypothenemus hampei, Leucopter a coffeella, Otiorhynchus spp., preferably Otiorhynchus cribricollis, Otiorhynchus sulcalus. Popillia japonica. Anastrepha spp., for example Anastrepha fraterculus, Anastrepha ludens, Anastrepha obliqua, Bactrocera spp., for example Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera cucurbilae. Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera oleae, Bactrocera tyroni, Bactrocera zonala. Drosophila suzukii, Aonidiella spp., preferably Aonidiella aurantii, Aonidiella cilrina, Aonidiella inomala, Aspidiotus nerii, Cacopsylla spp., preferably Cacopsylla pyri, Cacopsylla pyricola, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Draeculacephala spp., Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Erythroneura vitis, Euphyllura olivina, Graphocephala versuta, Homalodisca vitripennis, Oncometopia orbona, Parlatoria oleae, Philaenus spumarius, Saissetia oleae, Scaphoideus titanus, Halyomorpha halys, Pianococcus citri, Agrotis c-nigrum, Euzophera semifuneralis, Paralobesia viteana, Tortrix velutinana, or Frankliniella occidentalis.

[0067] In one aspect, the useful plant is Coffee, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Coccus viridis, Erthesina fullo, Hypothenemus hampei, Leucoptera coffeella, Toxoptera aurantii, or Xylotrechus quadripes.

[0068] In one aspect, the useful plants are Fruit trees, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Otiorhynchus spp., preferably Otiorhynchus cribricollis, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Anastrepha spp., for example Anastrepha fraterculus, Anastrepha ludens, Anastrepha obliqua, Bactrocera spp., for example Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera cucurbitae, Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera oleae, Bactrocera tyroni, Bactrocera zonata, Aonidiella spp., preferably Aonidiella aurantii, Aonidiella citrina, Aonidiella inomata, Aspidiotus nerii, Cacopsylla spp., preferably Cacopsylla pyri, or Cacopsylla pyricola, Erthesina fullo, Euphyllura olivina, Graphocephala versuta, Parlatoria oleae, Philaenus spumarius, Saissetia oleae, Halyomorpha halys, Pianococcus citri, Euzophera semifuneralis, or Frankliniella occidentalis.

[0069] In one aspect, the useful plants are Grapes, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae, Altica chalybea, Diabrotica speciosa, Harmonia axyridis, Popillia japonica, Drosophila suzukii, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Draeculacephala spp., Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Erythroneura vitis, Graphocephala versuta, Homalodisca vitripennis, Oncometopia orbona, Philaenus spumarius, Scaphoideus titanus, Halyomorpha halys, Agrotis c-nigrum, Paralobesia viteana, or Tortrix velutinana.

[0070] In one embodiment, the useful plant is Rice, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Oulema oryzae, Agromyza oryzae. Chlorops oryzae, Erthesina fullo, Nephotettix virescens, Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera, Oebalus pugnax, Chilo suppressalis, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, or Scirpophaga incertulas.

[0071] In one aspect, the useful plant is Soybean, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Cerotoma trifurcata, Diabrotica speciosa, Popillia japonica, Aphis glycine, Erthesina fullo, Chinavia hilaris, Dichelops melacanthus, Euschistus spp., preferably Euschistus heros or Euschistus servus, Nezara viridula, Piezodorus guildinii, Spissistilus festinus, Agrotis ipsilon, Anticar sia gemmatalis, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Helicoverpa zea, Plathypena scabra, Pseudoplusia includens, Spodoptera frugiperda, Melanoplus spp., preferably Melanoplus differentialis or Melanoplus femurrubrum, or Heterodera glycines.

[0072] In one aspect, the useful plants are Vegetables, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Cerotoma trifurcata, Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica spp., for example, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata how ar di, Disonycha xanthomelas, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epilachna varivestis, Epitrix spp., for example Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Listronotus oregonensis, Metriona bicolor, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Delia platura, Delia radicum, Liriomyza sativae, Ophiomyia simplex, Pegomya hyoscyami, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis spp., for example, Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Brevicoryne brassicae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Anasa tristis, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Brachycorynella asparagi, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Agrotis ipsilon, Colias eurytheme, Evergestos rimosalis, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca spp., for example, Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Melittia cucurbitae, family Noctuidae, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia. Pieris rapae, Plathypena scabra, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Ptorimaea operciilella. Spodoptera spp., for example, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Tuta absoluta, Frankliniella tritici, or Thrips tabaci.

[0073] In one aspect, the useful plant is selected from Solarium lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum. preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper or Solanum melongena. preferably, eggplant, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, Epitrix cucumeris. Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineala, Systena blanda, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbias. Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris. family Penlomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca sex la, Manduca quinquemaculala. Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and Tuta absoluta; most preferably, the vegetable plant is tomato and the pest is selected from Leptinotarsa decemlineala, Halyomorpha halys, Spodoptera exigua, or Tuta absoluta.

[0074] In one aspect, the useful plant is selected from Phaseolus spp., Vicia faba or Pisum sativum, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Cerotoma trifurcata, Diabrotica speciosa, Epilachna varivestis, Delia platura, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis fabae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Halyomorpha halys, Colias eurytheme, Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis and Plathypena scabra, most preferably, the pest is selected from Diabrotica speciosa, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis fabae or Halyomorpha halys.

[0075] In one aspect, the useful plant is Brassica oleracea, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, Delia radicum, Brevicoryne brassicae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Evergestos rimosalis, Pieris rapae, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Frankliniella tritici or Thrips tabaci.

[0076] In one aspect, the useful plant is Cucurbita spp., and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Aphis gossypii, Erthesina fullo, Anasa tristis, Melittia cucurbitae or Trichoplusia ni. In one aspect, the useful plant is selected from Ipomoea batatas, preferably sweet potato, Asparagus officinalis, preferably asparagus, and Allium cepa, preferably, onion, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, family Elateridae, Metriona bicolor, family Scarabaeidae , Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Erthesina fullo, Ophiomyia simplex, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Brachycorynella asparagi, Agrotis ipsilon, family Noctuidae or Thrips tabaci.

[0077] In one aspect, the useful plant is Spinacia oleracea, preferably spinach, Lactuca sativa, preferably lettuce, or Daucus carota, preferably carrots, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Disonycha xanthomelas, Listronotus oregonensis, Systena blanda, Liriomyza sativae, Pegomya hyoscyami, Erthesina fullo, Myzus persicae, Lygus lineolaris, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Helicoverpa zea, family Noctuidae, Spodoptera exigua, or Trichoplusia ni.

[0078] In one aspect, the useful plant is Solanum tuberosum, preferably potato, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epitrix spp., Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Delia platura, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Agrotis ipsilon, Manduca spp. and Ptorimaea operculella, preferably, the pest is selected from Diabrotica speciosa, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, o Myzus persicae.

[0079] The compositions of the present disclosure comprise pelargonic acid, optionally including derivatives thereof, a liquid or solid carrier and, optionally, one or more customary formulation auxiliaries, which may be liquid or solid, for example surfactants, antifoams, for example silicone oil, preservatives, clays, inorganic compounds, viscosity regulators, binders and / or tackifiers as well as attractants, including pheromones, such as dodecyl acetate.

[0080] The compositions may also further comprise a fertilizer, a micronutrient donor or other preparations which influence the growth of plants.

[0081] In one aspect, the pelargonic acid compositions are foliarly applied to the useful plants. Examples of foliar formulation types for pre-mix compositions are GR: Granules; WP: wettable powders; WG: water dispersable granules (powders); SG: water soluble granules; SL: soluble concentrates; EC: emulsifiable concentrate; EW: emulsions, oil in water; ME: micro-emulsion; SC: aqueous suspension concentrate; CS: aqueous capsule suspension; OD: oil-based suspension concentrate, and SE: aqueous suspo-emulsion. The type of pelargonic acid composition is to be selected to suit the intended aims and the prevailing circumstances.

[0082] Formulation components suitable for the preparation of the compositions according to the present disclosure are known per se.

[0083] As liquid carriers there may be used water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2-butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl esters of acetic acid, diacetone alcohol, 1,2-di chloropropane, diethanolamine, p- di ethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, a,a-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4-di oxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1 -tri chloroethane, 2-heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gammabutyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, n-octylamine, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol, propionic acid, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylenesulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, or alcohols of higher molecular weight, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N- methyl-2-pyrrolidone and the like.

[0084] Suitable solid carriers include, for example, talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed husks, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and similar substances.

[0085] A large number of surfactants may advantageously be used in both liquid and solid formulations, especially in those formulations which can be diluted with a carrier prior to use. Surfactants may be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or polymeric and they can be used as emulsifiers, wetting agents or suspending agents or for other purposes. Typical surfactants include, for example, salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; salts of alkylarylsulfonates, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol / alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate; alcohol / alkylene oxide addition products, such as tri decyl alcohol ethoxylate; siloxanes, silicones, silanes, silicates and siliconates; soaps, such as sodium stearate; salts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, 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 lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono- and di-alkylphosphate esters; esters of stearate and also further substances described e.g. in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood New Jersey (1981).

[0086] The compositions according to the disclosure can include an additive comprising an oil of vegetable or animal origin, a mineral oil, alkyl esters of such oils or mixtures of such oils and oil derivatives. The amount of oil additive, when present, in the composition according to the disclosure is generally from 0.01 to 10%, based on the mixture to be applied. For example, the oil additive can be added to a spray tank in the desired concentration after a spray mixture has been prepared. Preferred oil additives comprise mineral oils or an oil of vegetable origin, for example rapeseed oil, olive oil or sunflower oil, emulsified vegetable oil, alkyl esters of oils of vegetable origin, for example the methyl derivatives, or an oil of animal origin, such as fish oil or beef tallow. Preferred oil additives comprise alkyl esters of C8-C22 fatty acids, especially the methyl derivatives of C12-C18 fatty acids, for example the methyl esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid (methyl laurate, methyl palmitate and methyl oleate, respectively). Many oil derivatives are known from the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 10th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2010. Some embodiments of the present disclosure include applying the pelargonic acid compositions to plant propagation materials, of a useful plant, plant propagation materials treated with pelargonic acid compositions, and to methods according to the present disclosure, which comprise applying an insecticidally effective amount of a pelargonic acid composition to the plant propagation materials.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, propagation material of a plant can be understood to denote all the generative parts of the plant, such as seeds, which can be used for the multiplication of the latter including vegetative plant material such as cuttings. There may be mentioned, as plant propagation material, seeds (in the strict sense), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, and parts of plants. The plant propagation material can be treated with the pelargonic acid compositions before the material is sown or planted. Alternatively, the plant propagation material may be treated with the pelargonic acid compositions during sowing or planting. Additionally, the pelargonic acid compositions may be applied to the previously treated propagation material before or during its planting. The pelargonic acid compositions may be applied during the sowing of the seed. The pelargonic acid compositions may also be used to plant propagation material derived from plants grown in a green house and / or during transplantation.

[0088] Preferably, the plant propagation material is plant seeds.

[0089] The term "seed treatment" generally refers to application of a material to a seed prior to or during the time it is planted in soil to improve the handling characteristics of the seed, protect the seed prior to germination, support the germination and / or support the growth of the resulting plant. Some seed treatments are employed solely for the purpose of improving the handling characteristics or other physical characteristics of seeds and include no agricultural active ingredients. Other seed treatments bind one or more active ingredients to seeds for various beneficial purposes. For example, seed treatments that include one or more active ingredients are commonly used to ensure uniform stand establishment by protecting against soilborne diseases and insects. Typical examples include the application of pesticides such as fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators.

[0090] The seed treatment composition may also comprise or may be applied together and / or sequentially with further active compounds. These further compounds can be fertilizers or micronutrient donors or other preparations that influence plant growth, such as inoculants. According to the present disclosure pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, is applied to seeds of the useful plants in an amount of from 0.3 grams of pelargonic acid / ton of seeds (g / t) to 100 g / t, preferably from 0.3 to 80 g / t.

[0091] As with the nature of the formulations, the methods of application, such as foliar, drench, spraying, atomizing, dusting, scattering, coating or pouring, are chosen in accordance with the intended objectives and the prevailing circumstances.

[0092] Whereas commercial products will preferably be formulated as concentrates (e.g., pre-mix or ready-mix compositions), the end user will normally employ dilute formulations (e.g., spray mix, spray tank or tank-mix (when combined with other pesticides or formulation auxiliaries) compositions).

[0093] Generally, the pre-mix compositions comprise 0.1 to 99%, especially 15 to 90%, of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, and 0 to 99.9% of at least one liquid or solid carrier, and 0 to 35%, especially 0.1 to 20%, of the composition to be formulation auxiliaries., e.g., surfactants (% in each case meaning percent by weight in the pre-mix composition).

[0094] Generally, a spray mix or spray tank formulation for foliar or soil application comprises 0.05 to 20%, especially 0.1 to 15 %, of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, and 99.95 to 80 %, especially 99.9 to 85 %, of a liquid carrier, and 0 to 20 %, especially 0.1 to 15 %, of formulation auxiliaries, e.g., surfactants (% in each case meaning percent by weight in the tank-mix composition).

[0095] The pelargonic acid, or derivative thereof, is applied in an effective amount to achieve the desired elicitor response. The rates of application (grams of pelargonic acid / hectare org a.i. / ha or g / ha) vary and depend on the method of application, the crop plant, the defensive or elicitor response desired, the prevailing climatic conditions, and other factors governed by the method of application, the time of application and the target crop.

[0096] In order to stimulate the useful plant’s defense mechanisms against plant pests, the pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, is applied in an insecticidally effective amount. Effective rates of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, for inducing the plant’s defenses against plant pests include from 1 to 2,600 g / ha, from 50 to 1,300 g / ha, from 150 to 1000 g / ha, and from 150 to 650 g / ha. In one aspect, the pelargonic acid is applied before the appearance of a stress factor. In one aspect, the stress factor is biotic stress. In one aspect, the biotic stress is insect pressure.

[0097] In some embodiments, pelargonic acid, or compositions thereof, is applied to the useful plant when the plant pests are not present or are not present in an amount sufficient to cause damage to the plant or significantly impact quality or yield.

[0098] The present compositions have been demonstrated to have low phytotoxicity, e.g., exhibiting zero or acceptable leaf scorching, at rates as described herein.

[0099] In some embodiments, pelargonic acid, or compositions thereof, provides an indirect elicitor effect by inducing the plant’s natural defense system to protect against biotic stresses, specifically plant pests.

[0100] Methods of using the present compositions for inducing defensive responses in plants against biotic stresses, specifically insect pests, on useful plants are also part of the present disclosure. For example, the compositions are preferably used at a dilution, e.g., those dilutions preferred above, to provide effective response inducing properties coupled with low phytotoxicity.

[0101] The activity of the compositions according to the present disclosure may be broadened considerably, and adapted to prevailing circumstances, by adding additional pesticidally active agents, such as acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides, to the pelargonic acid compositions. Compositions comprising combinations of (A) pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, and (B) at least one additional pesticidally active agent (i.e., other than pelargonic acid) may also have further surprising advantages which can also be described, in a wider sense, as super-additive ("synergistic") effects. Thus, for example, by using or employing compositions in the treatment according to the present disclosure, reduced application rates and / or a widening of the activity spectrum and / or an increase in the activity better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soil salt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, bigger fruits, larger plant height, greener leaf color, earlier flowering, higher quality and / or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, higher sugar concentration within the fruits, better storage stability and / or processability of the harvested products are possible, which exceed the effects which were actually to be expected. According to the present disclosure, the expression “combination” stands for the various combinations of (A) pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, and (B) the at least one pesticidally active agent, for example in a single “ready-mix” or “pre-mix” form, in a combined spray mixture composed from separate formulations of the single active compounds, such as a “tank-mix”, and in a combined use of the single active ingredients when applied in a sequential manner, i.e., one after the other within a reasonably short period, such as a few hours or days, e.g.; 2 hours to 7 days. Preferably, the order of applying the pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, and the at least one pesticidally active agent is not essential for working the present disclosure. Accordingly, the term “combination” also encompasses the presence of pelargonic acid composition and the at least one pesticidally active agent on a plant that has been treated.

[0102] The ratio of (A) pelargonic acid and (B) any additional pesticidally active agents is selected such that, when applied to the useful plants, the pelargonic acid and the pesticidally active agents are delivered at their respective desired rates, e.g., as taught on a product label or as can be determined by one experienced in the field, required for pest control. Because the application rates for the additional pesticidally active agents can vary greatly from one another, the general ratios of pelargonic acid to the additional active agent also can vary greatly. The compositions comprising mixtures of pelargonic acid with additional pesticidally active agents described above comprise pelargonic acid and an active agent as described above preferably in a mixing ratio of from 10,000: 1 to 1 : 1, 1000: 1 to 1 : 1, preferably in a weight ratio of 700:1 to 10: 1, more preferably in a weight ratio of 500: 1 to 30: 1, and most preferably in a weight ratio of 100: 1 to 1 : 100.

[0103] In some embodiments, by using or employing pelargonic acid in a mixture with one or more additional insecticides, benefits may include reduced application rates, broadening the spectrum of activity, prolonging the duration of action, increasing the rate of action, and / or preventing evolution of resistance.

[0104] The one or more additional insecticides (B) identified herein by their common names are known and are described, for example, in the pesticide handbook (“The Pesticide Manual” 16th Ed., British Crop Protection Council 2012) or can be found on the Internet (e.g. http: / / www.alanwood.net / pesticides). The classification and group numbering are based on the current IRAC Mode of Action Classification Scheme (Edition 11.1) at the time of filing of this patent application.

[0105] Suitable additional insecticides (B) that may be used include representatives of the following classes of active ingredients:

[0106] (1) Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors;

[0107] (2) GABA-gated chloride channel blockers;

[0108] (3) Sodium channel modulators;

[0109] (4) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators;

[0110] (5) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators (Site 1);

[0111] (6) Glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) allosteric modulators;

[0112] (7) Juvenile hormone receptor modulators;

[0113] (8) Miscellaneous non-specific (multi-site) inhibitors;

[0114] (9) Chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulators;

[0115] (10) Mite growth inhibitors;

[0116] (11) Microbial disrupters of insect gut membranes;

[0117] (12) Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase;

[0118] (13) Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient;

[0119] (14) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel blockers;

[0120] (15) Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis affecting CHS1;

[0121] (16) Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis, type 1;

[0122] (17) Moulting disrupters;

[0123] (18) Ecdysone receptor agonists;

[0124] (19) Octopamine receptor agonists;

[0125] (20) Mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors;

[0126] (21) Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors; (22) Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers;

[0127] (23) Inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase;

[0128] (24) Mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors;

[0129] (25) Mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors;

[0130] (28) Ryanodine receptor modulators;

[0131] (29) Chordotonal organ nicotinamidase inhbitors;

[0132] (30) GABA-gated channel allosteric modulators;

[0133] (31) Baculoviruses host-specific occluded pathogenic viruses;

[0134] (32) Nicotinic acetyl-choline receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators - Site II;

[0135] (33) Calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa2) modulators;

[0136] (34) Mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors - Qi site;

[0137] (35) RNA Interference mediated target suppressors;

[0138] (36) Chordotonal organ modulators - undefined target site; and / or

[0139] (UN) further insecticidally and / or acaricidally active compounds of unknown, uncertain, or yet to be classified modes of action.

[0140] In one aspect, said at least one additional insecticide (B) is selected from:

[0141] (1) Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, including carbamates selected from alanycarb, aldicarb, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb, methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiofanox, triazamate, trimethacarb, XMC, and xylylcarb; or organophosphates selected from acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenvinphos, chlormephos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, coumaphos, cyanophos, demeton-S-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos / DDVP, dicrotophos, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, disulfoton, EPN, ethion, ethoprophos, famphur, fenamiphos, fenitrothion, fenthion, fosthiazate, heptenophos, imicyafos, isofenphos, isopropyl O-

[0142] (methoxyaminothiophosphoryl) salicylate, isoxathion, malathion, mecarbam, methamidophos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, omethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion, parathion-methyl, phenthoate, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, propetamphos, prothiofos, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion, quinalphos, sulfotep, tebupirimfos, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, triazophos, triclorfon, and vamidothion;

[0143] (2) GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, including cyclodiene-organochlorines selected from chlordane and endosulfan; or phenylpyrazoles (fiproles) selected from ethiprole and fipronil;

[0144] (3) Sodium channel modulators, including pyrethroids selected from acrinathrin, allethrin, d-cis-trans allethrin, d-trans allethrin, bifenthrin, kappa-bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrin S-cyclopentenyl isomer, bioresmethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyphenothrin [(IR)-trans- isomer], deltamethrin, empenthrin [(EZ)-(lR)-isomer], esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, tau-fluvalinate, halfenprox, imiprothrin, kadethrin, epsilon-metofluthrin, momfluorothrin, permethrin, phenothrin [(1R)- trans-isomer], prallethrin, pyrethrins (pyrethrum), resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, kappa- tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tetramethrin [(1R)- isomer)], tralomethrin, and transfluthrin; or DDT or methoxychlor;

[0145] (4) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators, including neonicotinoids selected from acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam; or nicotine, or sulfoximines selected from sulfoxaflor; or butenolids selected from flupyradifurone; or mesoionics selected from dicloromezotiaz, fenmezoditiaz, and triflumezopyrim; or pyridylidenes selected from flupyrimin;

[0146] (5) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators (Site 1), including spinosyns selected from spinetoram and spinosad;

[0147] (6) Glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) allosteric modulators, including avermectins / milbemycins selected from abamectin, emamectin benzoate, lepimectin and milbemectin; (7) Juvenile hormone receptor modulators, including juvenile hormone analogues selected from hydroprene, kinoprene, and methoprene; or fenoxycarb; or pyriproxyfen;

[0148] (8) Miscellaneous non-specific (multi-site) inhibitors, including alkyl halides selected from 1,3 -dichloropropene, methyl bromide and other alkyl halides; or chloropicrin; or fluorides selected from cryolite (sodium aluminum fluoride), and sulfuryl fluoride; or borates selected from borax, boric acid, disodium octoborate, sodium borate, and sodium metaborate; or tartar emetic; or methyl isocyanate generators selected from dazomet, metam, and methyl isothiocyanate;

[0149] (9) Chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulators, including pyridine azomethine derivatives selected from pymetrozine, and pyrifluquinazone; or pyropenes selected from afidopyropen;

[0150] (10) Mite growth inhibitors, including selected from clofentezine, diflovidazin, hexythiazox, and etoxazole;

[0151] (11) Microbial disruptors of insect gut membranes, including Bacillus thuringiensis and the insecticidal proteins they produce selected from Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis. Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies aizaw ai. Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurslaki. Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies lenebrionis. and pesticidally active proteins, e.g., originating from Bacillus thuringiensis selected from Cry 1 Ab, Cry 1 Ac, CrylFa, Cry 1 A.105, Cry2Ab, Vip3A, mCry3A, Cry3Ab, Cry3Bb, and Cry34Abl / Cry35Abl; or Bacillus sphaericus:

[0152] (12) Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase which are ATP disruptors, including diafenthiuron; or organotin miticides selected from azocyclotin, cyhexatin and fenbutatin oxide; or propargite; or tetradifon;

[0153] (13) Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient, selected from chlorfenapyr, DNOC, and sulfluramid;

[0154] (14) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel blockers, including nereistoxin analogues selected from bensultap, cartap hydrochloride, thiocylam, and thiosultap-sodium;

[0155] (15) Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis affecting CHS1, including benzoylureas selected from bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, teflubenzuron an,d triflumuron; (16) Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis, type 1 selected from buprofezin;

[0156] (17) Moulting disrupter (in particular for Diptera, i.e., Dipterans) selected from cyromazine;

[0157] (18) Ecdysone receptor agonists, preferably diacylhydrazines selected from chromafenozide, halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, and tebufenozide;

[0158] (19) Octopamine receptor agonists, selected from amitraz;

[0159] (20) Mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors - Qo site, selected from hydramethylnone, acequinocyl, fluacrypyrim, and bifenazate;

[0160] (21) Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors, including METI acaricides selected from fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyridaben, pyrimidifen, tebufenpyrad, and tolfenpyrad; or rotenone (Derris);

[0161] (22) Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers selected from indoxacarb and metaflumizone;

[0162] (23) Inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase, including tetronic and tetramic acid derivatives selected from spidoxamat, spirobudifen, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spiropidion, and spirotetramat;

[0163] (24) Mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors, including phosphides selected from aluminium phosphide, calcium phosphide, phosphine, and zinc phosphide; or cyanides selected from calcium cyanide, potassium cyanide, and sodium cyanide;

[0164] (25) Mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors, including beta-ketonitrile derivatives selected from cyenopyrafen, and cyflumetofen; or carboxanilides selected from pyflubumide;

[0165] (28) Ryanodine receptor modulators, including diamides selected from chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, flubendiamide, and tetraniliprole;

[0166] (29) Chordotonal organ nicotinamidase inhibitors selected from flonicamid;

[0167] (30) GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulators, including meta-diamides or isoxazolines selected from broflanilide, fluxametamide, and isocycloseram; (31) Baculoviruses, including Granuloviruses (GVs) selected from Cydia pomonella GV, and Thaumatotibia leucotreta GV; or Nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) selected from Anticar sia gemmatalis MNPV, and Helicoverpa armigera NPV;

[0168] (32) Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (nAChR) Allosteric Modulators - Site II selected from GS-omega / kappa HXTX-Hv la peptide;

[0169] (33) Calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa2) modulators selected from acynonapyr;

[0170] (34) Mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors - Qi site selected from flometoquin;

[0171] (35) RNA Interference mediated target suppressors selected from ledprona;

[0172] (36) Chorotonal organ modulators - undefined target site selected from dimpropyridaz; and / or

[0173] (UN) further insecticidally and / or acaricidally active compounds of unknown, uncertain, or yet to be classified modes of action selected from afoxolaner, azadirachtin, benzoximate, benzpyrimoxan, bromopropylate, chinomethionat, chloroprallethrin, cyclobutrifluram, cycloxaprid, cyetpyrafen, cyhalodiamide, cyproflanilide (CAS 2375110-88-4), dicofol, fluazaindolizine, flucypyriprole (CAS 1771741-86-6), fluensulfone, flufenerim, flufenoxystrobin, flufiprole, fluhexafon, fluopyram, flupentiofenox, flupyroxystrobin, fluralaner, fufenozide, guadipyr, heptafluthrin, imidaclothiz, indazapyroxamet, iodomethane, iprodione, lotilaner, meperfluthrin, mivorilaner, modoflaner, nicofluprole (CAS 1771741-86-6), oxazosulfyl, paichongding, pyridalyl, pyrifluquinazon, pyriminostrobin, sarolaner, spirobudiclofen, sulfiflumin, sulfur, tetramethylfluthrin, tetrachlorantraniliprole, tigolaner, tioxazafen, thiofluoximate, trifluenfuronate, tyclopyrazoflor, umifoxolaner, l-{2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-[(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)sulphinyl]phenyl}-3-(trifluoromethyl)-lH-l,2,4-triazole-5-amine (known from W02006 / 043635) (CAS 885026-50-6), 2-chloro-N-[2-{l-[(2E)-3-(4- chlorophenyl)prop-2-en-l-yl]piperidin-4-yl}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]isonicotinamide (known from W02006 / 003494) (CAS 872999-66-1), 3-(4-chloro-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-4- hydroxy-8-methoxy-l,8-diazaspiro[4.5]dec-3-en-2-one (known from WO 2010 / 052161) (CAS 1225292-17-0), 3-(4-chloro-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-8-methoxy-2-oxo-l,8- diazaspiro[4.5]dec-3-en-4-yl ethyl carbonate (known from EP2647626) (CAS 1440516-42- 6), PF1364 (known from JP2010 / 018586) (CAS 1204776-60-2), (3E)-3-[l-[(6-chloro-3- pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-l,l,l-trifluoro-propan-2-one (known from WO2013 / 144213) (CAS 1461743-15-6), N-[3-(benzylcarbamoyl)-4-chlorophenyl]-l- methyl-3-(pentafluoroethyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-lH-pyrazole-5- carboxamide (known from WO20 10 / 051926) (CAS 1226889-14-0), 5-bromo-4-chloro-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-

[0174] (methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide (known from CN103232431) (CAS 1449220-44-3), 4-[5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5- (trifluoromethyl)-3- isoxazolyl]-2-methyl-N-(cis-l-oxido-3-thietanyl)-benzamide, 4-[5-(3,5- dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-2-methyl-N -(trans- 1-oxido- 3-thietanyl)-benzamide and 4-[(5S)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5- (trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-2-methyl-N -(cis-l-oxido-3-thietanyl) benzamide (known from WO 2013 / 050317) (CAS 1332628-83-7), N-[3-chloro-l-(3-pyridinyl)-lH-pyrazol-4- yl]-N-ethyl-3-[(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfmyl]-propanamide, (+)-N-[3-chloro-l-(3- pyridinyl)-lH-pyrazol-4-yl]-Nethyl-3-[(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfmyl]-propanamide and (- )-N-[3-chloro-l-(3-pyridinyl)-lH-pyrazol-4-yl]-N-ethyl-3-[(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfmyl]- propanamide (known from WO 2013 / 162715, WO 2013 / 162716, US 2014 / 0213448 (CAS 1477923-37-7), 5-[[(2E)-3-chloro-2-propen-l-yl]amino]-l-[2,6-dichloro-4-

[0175] (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfmyl]-lH-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile (known from CN 101337937) (CAS 1105672-77-2), 3-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6- [(methylamino)thioxomethyl]phenyl]-l-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-lH-pyrazole-5- carboxamide, (Liudaibenjiaxuanan, known from CN 103109816A) (CAS 1232543-85-9); N-[4-chloro-2-[[(l,l-dimethylethyl)amino]carbonyl]-6-methylphenyl]-l-(3-chl oro-2- pyridinyl)-3-(fluoromethoxy)-lH-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (known from WO 2012 / 034403) (CAS 1268277-22-0), N-[2-(5-amino-l,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-4-chloro-6-methylphenyl]-3- bromo-l-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-lH-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (known from WO 2011 / 085575) (CAS 1233882-22-8), 4-[3-[2,6-dichloro-4-[(3,3-dichloro-2-propen-l- yl)oxy]phenoxy]propoxy]-2-methoxy-6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrimidine (known from CN 101337940A) (CAS 1108184-52-6); 2E)- and 2(Z)-2-[2-(4-cyanophenyl)-l-[3-

[0176] (trifluoromethyl) phenyl] ethylidene]-N-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]- hydrazinecarboxamide (known from CN 101715774A) (CAS 1232543-85-9); 3-(2,2- dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4-(lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenyl-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid ester (known from CN 103524422A) (CAS 1542271-46-4); (4aS)-7-chloro-2,5- dihydro-2-[[(methoxycarbonyl)[4-[(trifluoromethyl)thio]phenyl]amino]carbonyl]- indeno[l,2-e][l,3,4]oxadiazine-4a(3H)-carboxylic acid methyl ester (known from CN 102391261A) (CAS 1370358-69-2); 6-deoxy-3-O-ethyl-2,4-di-O-methyl-l-[N-[4-[l-[4- (1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethoxy) phenyl]-lH-l,2,4-triazol-3-yl]phenyl]carbamate]-a-L- mannopyranose (known from US 2014 / 0275503) (CAS 1181213-14-8); 8-(2- cyclopropylmethoxy-4-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-3-(6-trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-3- aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane (CAS 1253850-56-4), (8-awtz)-8-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-4- trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-3-(6-trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-3-aza- bicyclo[3.2.1 ]octane (CAS 933798-27-7), (8- w)-8-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-3-(6- trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-3-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane (known from WO 2007040280, WO 2007040282) (CAS 934001-66-8), N-[4-(aminothioxomethyl)-2-methyl-6- [(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]-3-bromo-l-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-lH-pyrazole-5- carboxamide (known from CN 103265527A) (CAS 1452877-50-7), 3-(4-chloro-2,6- dimethylphenyl)-8-methoxy-l-methyl-l,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decane-2, 4-dione (known from WO 2014 / 187846) (CAS 1638765-58-8), 3-(4-chloro-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-8-methoxy-l- methyl-2-oxo-l,8-diazaspiro[4.5]dec-3-en-4-yl-carbonic acid ethyl ester (known from WO 2010 / 066780, WO 2011 / 151146) (CAS 1229023-00-0), N-[l-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-lH- pyrazol-3-yl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (known from WO 2014 / 053450) (CAS 1594624-87-9), N-[2-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-2H-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-2-

[0177] (trifhroromethyl)benzamide (known from WO 2014 / 053450) (CAS 1594637-65-6), N-[l- (3,5-difluoro-2-pyridinyl)-lH-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (known from WO 2014 / 053450) (CAS 1594626-19-3), (3R)-3-(2-chloro-5-thiazolyl)-2,3-dihydro-8- methyl-5,7-dioxo-6-phenyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidinium inner salt (known from WO 2018 / 177970) (CAS 2246757-58-2); 3-(2-chloro-5-thiazolyl)-2,3-dihydro-8-methyl-5,7- dioxo-6-phenyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidinium inner salt (known from WO 2018 / 177970) (CAS 2246757-56-0); N-[3-chloro-l-(3-pyridinyl)-lH-pyrazol-4-yl]-2-(methylsulfonyl)- propanamide (known from WO 2019 / 236274) (CAS 2396747-83-2), N-[2-bromo-4-[l, 2,2,2- tetrafluoro-l-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-fluoro-3-[(4- fhiorobenzoyl)amino]-benzamide (known from WO 2019059412) (CAS 1207977-87-4), and 3-bromo-l-(3-chl oro-2 -pyridinyl)-N-[4,6-di chi oro-3 -fluoro-2-

[0178] [(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]-lH-Pyrazole-5-carboxamide (fluchlorodiamide; known from CN110835330A, CN106977494A) (CAS 2129147-03-9). In one aspect, the at least one additional insecticide (B) comprises one or more nematicides. The active compounds identified here by their common names are known and are described, for example, in the pesticide handbook (“The Pesticide Manual” 16th Ed., British Crop Protection Council 2012) or can be found on the Internet (e.g. http: / / www.alanwood.net / pesticides). The classification is based on the current Nematicide IRAC Mode of Action Classification Groups at the time of filing of this patent application (version 11.1).

[0179] In one aspect, said at least one additional insecticide (B) comprises one or more nematicides selected from:

[0180] (Group N-l) Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, including (N-l A) carbamates selected from aldicarb, benfuracarb, carbofuran, carbosulfan, oxamyl, and thiodicarb, or (N-1B) organophosphates selected from cadusafos, ethoprofos, fenamiphos, fosthiazate, imicyafos, phorate, and terbufos.

[0181] (Group N-2) Glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) allosteric modulators, including avermectins selected from abamectin and emamectin benzoate.

[0182] (Group N-3) Mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors, especially inhibitors of succinatecoenzyme Q reductase, preferably pyridinyl-ethyl benzamides selected from fluopyram and cyclobutrifluram.

[0183] (Group N-4) Lipid synthesis / growth regulation modulators, especially inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase, preferably tetronic and tetramic acid derivatives such as spirotetramat.

[0184] (Group N-UN) Compounds of unknown or uncertain mode of action with various chemistries, such as fluazaindolizine, fluensulfone, furfural, iprodione, and tioxazafen.

[0185] (Group N-UNX) Compounds of unknown or uncertain mode of action: Presumed multi-site inhibitors, including volatile sulfur generators selected from carbon disulfide and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS); or carbon disulfide liberators selected from sodium tetrathiocarbonate; or alkyl halides selected from methyl bromide and methyl iodide (iodomethane); or halogenated hydrocarbons selected from l,2-dibromo-3 -chloropropane (DBCP), 1,3- dichloropropene, and ethylene dibromide; or chloropicrin; or methyl isothiocyanate generators selected from allyl isothiocyanate, dazomet, metam potassium, and metam sodium. (Group N-UNB) Bacterial agents (non-Zb) of unknown or uncertain mode of action, preferably bacterium or bacterium-derived, selected from Bacillus spp., e.g. B. firmus, B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens. or B. subtilis, Burkholderia spp., e.g. rinojensis A396, Pasteuria spp., e.g. P. penetrans or P. nishizaw ae. Pseudomonas spp., e.g. chlororaphis. fluorescens. oryzihabitans strain SYM23945, and Streptomyces spp., e.g. lydicus. dicklow ii. albogriseolus, or strain SYM00257.

[0186] (Group N-UNF) Fungal agents of unknown or uncertain mode of action, preferably fungus or fungus- derived, selected from Actinomyces spp., e.g. streptococcus, Arthrobotrys spp., e.g. oligospora, Aspergillus spp., e.g. niger, Muscodor spp., e.g. albus, Myrothecium spp., e.g. verrucaria, Paecilomyces spp., e.g., carneus, fumosoroseus, or lilacinum, Pochonia spp., e.g. chlamydosporia, and Trichoderma spp., e.g. harzianum, virens, atroviride or viride.

[0187] (Group N-UNE) Botanical or animal derived agents, including synthetic extracts and unrefined oils, with unknown or uncertain mode of action, preferably botanical or animal derived agents selected from azadirachtin, camellia seed cake, essential oils, garlic extract, pongamia oil, Quillaja saponaria extract, chitin, and terpenes, e.g., carvacrol.

[0188] In one aspect, the additional insecticide (B) includes one or more biological pesticides. Biological pesticides comprise bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses, plant extracts and products formed by microorganisms, including proteins and secondary metabolites.

[0189] In one aspect, the biological pesticides comprise bacteria such as spore-forming bacteria, root-colonizing bacteria and bacteria which act as biological insecticides or nematicides.

[0190] Bacteria which are employed or may be used as biological pesticides include Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, strain FZB42 (DSM 231179), or Bacillus cereus, such as B. cereus strain CNCM 1-1562 or Bacillus firmus, strain 1-1582 (Accession number CNCM 1-1582) or Bacillus pumilus, such as strain GB34 (Accession No. ATCC 700814) and strain QST2808 (Accession No. NRRL B-30087), or Bacillus subtilis, in particular strain GB03 (Accession No. ATCC SD-1397), or Bacillus subtilis strain QST713 (Accession No. NRRL B-21661) or Bacillus subtilis strain OST 30002 (Accession No. NRRL B-50421) Bacillus thuringiensis, in particular B. thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (serotype JL14), strain AM65-52 (Accession No. ATCC 1276), or B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai, in particular strain ABTS-1857 (SD-1372), or B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain HD-1, or B. thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis strain NB 176 (SD-5428), Pasteuria penetrans, Pasteuria spp. (Rotylenchulus reniformis nematode)-PR3 (Accession Number ATCC SD-5834), Streptomyces microflavus strain AQ6121 (= QRD 31.013, NRRL B-50550), Streptomyces galbus strain AQ 6047 (Acession Number NRRL 30232).

[0191] Fungi and yeasts which are employed or may be used as biological pesticides include Beauveria bassiana, in particular strain ATCC 74040, Coniothyrium minitans, in particular strain CON / M / 91-8 (Accession No. DSM-9660), Lecanicillium spp., in particular strain HRO LEC 12, Lecanicillium lecanii, (formerly known as Verticillium lecanii), in particular strain KV01, Metarhizium anisopliae, in particular strain F52 (DSM3884 / ATCC 90448), Metschnikowia fructicola, in particular strain NRRL Y-30752, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (now: Isaria jumosorosea) , in particular strain IFPC 200613, or strain Apopka 97 (Accession No. ATCC 20874), Paecilomyces lilacinus, in particular / 3, lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL 89 / 030550), Talaromyces flavus, in particular strain VI 17b, Trichoderma atroviride, in particular strain SCI (Accession Number CBS 122089), Trichoderma harzianum, in particular T. harzianum rifai T39. (Accession Number CNCM 1-952).

[0192] Viruses which are employed or may be used as biological pesticides include Adoxophyes orana (summer fruit tortrix) granulosis virus (GV), Cydia pomonella (codling moth) granulosis virus (GV), Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV), Plutella xylostella granulosis virus (GV), in particular / 3, xylostella GV isolate GV- 0020, Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm) mNPV, Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) mNPV, Spodoptera littoralis (African cotton leafworm) NPV.

[0193] Plant extracts and products formed by microorganisms including proteins and secondary metabolites which are employed or may be used as biological pesticides include Allium sativum, Artemisia absinthium, azadirachtin, Biokeeper WP, Cassia nigricans, Celastrus angulatus, Chenopodium anthelminticum, chitin, Armour-Zen, Dryopteris filix-mas, Equisetum arvense, Fortune Aza, Fungastop, Heads Up (Chenopodium quinoa saponin extract), Pyrethrum / Pyrethrins, Quassia amara, Quercus, Quillaja, Regalia, "Requiem ™ Insecticide", rotenone, ryania / ryanodine, Symphytum officinale, Tanacetum vulgare, thymol, Triact 70, TriCon, Tropaeulum majus, Urtica dioica, Veratrin, Viscum album, Brassicaceae extract, in particular oilseed rape powder or mustard powder, as well as bioinsecticidal / acaricidal active substances obtained from olive oil, in particular unsaturated fatty / carboxylic acids having carbon chain lengths C16-C20 as active ingredients, such as, for example, contained in the product with the trade name FLiPPER®.

[0194] The combinations comprising mixtures of pelargonic acid and one or more active agents as described above can be applied, for example, in a single “ready-mix” form, in a combined spray mixture composed from separate formulations of the single active agent components, such as a “tank-mix”, and in a combined use of (A) a pelargonic acid, or derivative thereof, and (B) a separate composition comprising the additional active agent when applied in a sequential manner, i.e., one after the other with a reasonably short period, such as a few hours or days. The order of applying the pelargonic acid, or derivative thereof, and the active agents as described above is not essential for working the present invention.

[0195] The following description and examples are shown for exemplary and explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0196] The features and characteristics illustrated and / or described herein in connection with various examples presented herein may be combined with the features and characteristics of other examples also provided herein and such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0197] Examples: Inducing insecticidal responses in crops

[0198] In the following examples, following abbreviations shall be used:

[0199] AT : after treatment

[0200] DAT / DAA: days after treatment / days after application

[0201] 0 - 5: damage scale (0=no damage or no sucking observed; l=some damage or some sucking observed; 3=half leaf eaten or half of aphids sucking the leaf; 5=no leaf left or all insects sucking and reproducing)

[0202] UNCK : untreated check

[0203] BBCH : scale used to identify the phenological development stages of plants

[0204] All applications below were made with an EC formulation containing 650 g / L of pelargonic acid (685 g / L of 95% purity pelargonic acid), an anionic emulsifier and a branched fatty acid ester solvent, unless it is noted otherwise. Example 1

[0205] PEST : English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae)

[0206] CROP: WHEAT (Triticum aestivum

[0207] APPLICATION: FOLIAR

[0208] PROTOCOL: T. aestivum plants were grown in pots (8x8 cm) in the greenhouse until reaching a height of 10 cm. Each pot contained 50 seeds.

[0209] Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates. Plants were sprayed with a handheld sprayer containing 0.65 g of pelargonic acid in 500 mL of water for the 3 replicates. Control plants were sprayed with water.

[0210] Spraying solutions (as noted in the Table 1) were prepared freshly before treatment.

[0211] S. avenae (N=10) were added 1 hour after spraying. Insects were counted, 1, 4, 6, 12 and 14 days after the treatment applied.

[0212] Insects were counted, 1, 4, 6, 12 and 14 days after the treatment applied.

[0213] Table 1. Efficacy assessment survival of S. avenae on T. aestivum (number of aphids)

[0214] Example 2

[0215] PEST: Plutella xylostella (Diamondback moth) / Myzus persicae (Green peach aphid)

[0216] CROP: Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. Pekinensis)

[0217] APPLICATION: FOLIAR on one leaf of the plant EXPERIMENT / TRIAL Chinese cabbage plants were grown in pots in the greenhouse (one PROTOCOL: plant per pot) until they reached 5-6 leaves.

[0218] 240 pl of solution comprising 0.78 mg of pelargonic acid was applied to one leaf of the plant being careful not to contaminate any other leaves of the plant. Leaves were left to dry for 1 hour.

[0219] P. xylostella or M. persicae were added to clip cages on non-treated leaves 1 hour or 24 hours after the applied treatment wherein those cages restrict the movement of the insects to the other leaves.

[0220] Insect survival and leaf damage was assessed 6 days after application and results are presented in Table 2.

[0221] Table 2. Effect on survival and leaf damage of P. xylostella and S. avenea on untreated leaves of B. napus.

[0222] Treatment with 0.78mg pelargonic acid results in a reduction in larval maturation and leaf damage in P. xylostella when the insects are introduced Ih after treatment to an untreated leaf of the same plant. Treatment with 0.78mg pelargonic acid results in a reduction in the number of S. avenae individuals and in sucking when the insects are introduced 24h after treatment to an untreated leaf of the same plant.

[0223] Example 3 Direct effect pelargonic acid (Comparative example)

[0224] Table 3. Effect on survival of S. exigua larvae on artificial medium

[0225] It can be seen from the data in Table 3 that direct feeding of pelargonic acid had no direct control of S. exigua. Example 4

[0226] PEST : Meligethes aeneus (Pollen beetle)

[0227] CROP: Oil seed rape (Brassica napus spp. Campino)

[0228] APPLICATION: Foliar spray

[0229] EXPERIMENT / TRIAL Foliar spray was applied in the field with a motorized sprayer in PROTOCOL: spring when the insects appeared on the crop (BBCH 38-41). The trial design consisted of a randomized complete block with 4 replications per treatment. The treated area per plot was 30m2. Used water volume was 300 L / ha. Evaluation was done by counting adult insects per 25 plants. The phytotoxicity was scored with a value in range 0-100% for every treatment.

[0230] As demonstrated in Table 4, pelargonic acid shows increasing efficacy over time because of the effect on the plant’s immune system (eliciting defense responses). No phytotoxicity was observed at the applied dose rates. Table 4: Efficacy assessment: % efficacy versus untreated (%UNCK) of M. aeneus on B. napus (field)

[0231] Decis EC = deltamethrin

[0232] For statistical analysis of this trial ARM was used. The Least Significant Difference (LSD) Test was used with p-value = 0.05. This test was used to compare means of treatments and when differences exceed the LSD, this indicates a significant difference between the two treatments with 95% certainty that there is a real difference. Different letters (a,b,c,d) indicate significance between objects.

[0233] Example 5

[0234] PEST : Cacopsylly pyri (Pear psylla)

[0235] CROP: Pear trees (pyrus communis spp. Williams)

[0236] APPLICATION: Foliar spray (spring - when 50% of eggs are yellow)

[0237] EXPERIMENT / TRIAL Foliar spray was applied in the field with a motorized sprayer PROTOCOL: (OleomacSP126) in spring when the insects appeared on the crop

[0238] (BBCH 72-75). The trial design consisted of a randomized complete block with 4 replications per treatment. The treated area per plot was 24m2. Used water volume was 8OOL / ha. Evaluation was done by counting nymphs per 10 shoots. The phytotoxicity was scored with a value in range 0-100% for every treatment.

[0239] As demonstrated in Table 5, pelargonic acid shows increasing efficacy over time. This is due to the effect on the plant’s immune system. No phytotoxicity was observed at the applied dose rates. Table 5. Efficacy assessment: % efficacy versus untreated (%UNCK) of C. pyri on P. communis (field)

[0240] Example 6

[0241] PEST : Meloidogyne graminicola (Root knot nematode)

[0242] CROP: Triticum aestivum

[0243] APPLICATION: Foliar application

[0244] EXPERIMENT / TRIAL After seed germination, wheat plants were grown individually for 2 PROTOCOL: weeks in a PVC tube (18 cm height, 3 cm diameter) filled with a substrate of sand and a water-absorbing polymer (DCM Aquaperla). Plants were grown at 24 °C and supplied with Hoagland solution and water 3 times per week. They were treated after 2 weeks. Twenty-four hours after treatment they were inoculated with 400 nematode juveniles (second stage; J2) per plant. 8 individual plants were analyzed per treatment. Evaluation of nematode infection was done 14 days after inoculation. Development of galls on the roots was microscopically observed and counted. No females were observed yet at this early time point, in any of the treatments.

[0245] FORMULATION Four different treatments and 2 controls were evaluated:

[0246] USED'

[0247] Foliar spraying of PM1, stock solution 200 x diluted

[0248] Foliar spraying of PM2, stock solution 200 x diluted

[0249] Foliar spraying of PM3, stock solution 200 x diluted

[0250] Foliar spraying of PM4, stock solution 200 x diluted

[0251] Positive control: soil treatment with Abamectin (0.2% Vertimec)

[0252] - Negative control: shoot spraying with water

[0253] All dilutions were made in distilled water. PM1 is already formulated. For PM2-3-4 and the negative control, 0.2% Tween was added as surfactants.

[0254] The following embodiments are encompassed by the present disclosure:

[0255] Embodiment 1 is directed to a method of inducing defensive responses in useful plants to build up the plants’ natural defense system against plant pests, which comprises applying an insecticidally effective amount of a composition of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, to a plant, a plant part, or to a locus of a plant. Embodiment 2 is directed to a method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the composition is applied to the useful plants prior to infestation by the plant pests.

[0256] Embodiment 3 is directed to a method according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein following application of the composition, the plants defense mechanisms are stimulated to repel plant pests, inhibit or indirectly control the growth rate or reproduction of plant pests, increase mortality of the plant pests, eradicate the plant pests, and / or reduce damage to plants caused by the plant pests.

[0257] Embodiment 4 is directed to a method according to any of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the useful plant is selected from the group consisting of Com, Cotton, Cereals including wheat (winter and spring), spelt, durum, rye, barley, oats, millet and triticale, Oilseed rape (as used herein the term oilseed rape includes Brassica napus subsp. napus, also referred to as Argentine canola, rapeseed or rape and the specific group of cultivars, canola, Brassica rapa, also known as Polish Canola and Brassica juncea, also known as brown mustard), Perennials as used herein includes Coffee, Fruit trees such as Abiu, Almond, Amla (Indian gooseberry), Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Bael, Ber (Indian plum), Carambola (starfruit), Cashew, Cherry, Citrus (clementine, lemon, lime, orange etc.), Coconut, Crab apple, Damson, Durian, Elderberry, Fig, Grapefruit, Guava, Jackfruit, Jujube, Loquat, Lychee, Mango, Medlar, Morello cherry, Mulberry, Olive, Pawpaw, both the tropical Carica papaya and the North American Asimina triloba, Peach and nectarine, Pear, Pecan, Persimmon, Plum, Pomelo, Quince, Pomegranate, Rambutan, Sapodilla (chikoo), Soursop, Sugar-apple (sharifa), Sweet chestnut, Tamarillo, Ugli fruit, Walnut and Water Apple, Grapes, Rice, Sorghum, Soybean, Turfgrass, Vegetables including Brassica oleracea (e.g., cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Chinese broccoli, collard greens), Brassica rapa (e.g., turnip, Chinese cabbage, napa cabbage, bok choy), Raphanus sativus (e.g., radish, daikon, seedpod varieties), Daucus carota (e.g., carrot); Pastinaca sativa (e.g., parsnip), Beta vulgaris (e.g., beetroot, sea beet, Swiss chard, sugar beet), Lactuca sativa (e.g., lettuce, celtuce), Aspargus officinalis (e.g., asparagus), Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus lunatus (e.g., green bean, French bean, runner bean, haricot bean, Lima bean), Vicia faba (e.g., broad bean), Pisum sativum (e.g., pea, snap pea, snow pea, split pea), Solanum tuberosum (e.g., potato), Solanum melongena (e.g., eggplant), Solanum lycopersicum (e.g., tomato), Cucumis sativus (e.g., cucumber), Cucurbita spp. (e.g., pumpkin, squash, marrow, zucchini, gourd), Allium cepa (e.g., onion, spring onion, scallion, shallot), Allium sativum (e.g., garlic), Allium ampeloprasum (e.g., leek, elephant garlic), Capsicum annuum (e.g., pepper, bell pepper, sweet pepper), Spinacia oleracea (e.g., spinach), Dioscorea spp. (e.g., yam), Ipomoea batatas (e.g., sweet potato) vA Manihol esculenta (e.g., cassava).

[0258] Embodiment 5 is directed to a method according to any of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the useful plants are Cereals, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Erthesina fullo, Meloidogyne graminicola, Schizaphis graminum, Sitobion avenae, Rhopalosiphum padi or Metopolophium dirhodum: the useful plants are Corn or Sorghum, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Oligonychus pralensis. Tetranychus urticae, Agriotes linneatus, Chaetocnema pulicaria, Diabrotica spp., Diabrotica barberi, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, Melanotus communis, Sphenophorous maidis, Delia platura, Dalbulus maidis, Erthesina fullo, Rhopalosiphum spp., Rhopalosiphum maidis, Rhopalosiphum padi, Dichelops melacanthus, Agrotis ipsilon, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Helicoverpa spp., Helicoverpa armigera, Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis, Spodoptera frugiperda, Striacosta albicosta, Frankliniella spp., Frankliniella occidentalis, or Frankliniella williamsi; the useful plant is Cotton, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Anthonomus grandis; Diabrotica speciosa, Aphis spp., Aphis craccivora, Aphis gossypii, Bemisia spp., Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci, Myzus persicae, Trialeurodes spp., Trialeurodes abutiloneus, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Erthesina fullo, Euschistus her os, Helicoverpa armigera, Pectinophora gossypiella, Frankliniella spp., Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella tritici, or Thrips tabaci,' the useful plant is Oilseed rape, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Ceutorhynchus spp., Ceutorhynchus assimilis, Ceutorhynchus napi Gy ll, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus, Ceutorhynchus picitarsis, Ceutorhynchus quadridens, Ceutorhynchus rapae, Diabrotica speciosa, Meligethes aeneus, Phyllotreta spp., Psylliodes spp., Psylliodes chrysocephala, Erthesina fullo, o Myzus persicae; the useful plants are Perennial crops, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae, Altica chalybea, Diabrotica speciosa, Harmonia axyridis, Hypothenemus hampei, Leucoptera coffeella, Otiorhynchus spp., Otiorhynchus cribricollis, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Popillia japonica, Anastrepha spp., Anastrepha fraterculus, Anastrepha ludens, Anastrepha obliqua, Bactrocera spp., Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera cucurbitae, Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera oleae, Bactrocera tyroni, Bactrocera zonata, Drosophila suzukii, Aonidiella spp., Aonidiella aurantii, Aonidiella citrina, Aonidiella inomata, Aspidiotus nerii, Cacopsylla spp., Cacopsylla pyri, Cacopsylla pyricola, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Draeculacephala spp., Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Erythroneura vitis, Euphyllura olivina, Graphocephala versuta, Homalodisca vitripennis, Oncometopia orbona, Parlatoria oleae, Philaenus spumarius, Saissetia oleae, Scaphoideus titanus, Halyomorpha halys, Pianococcus cilri, Agrotis c-nigrum, Euzophera semifuneralis, Paralobesia viteana, Tortrix velutinana, or Frankliniella occidentalis; the useful plant is Coffee, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Coccus viridis, Erthesina fullo, Hypothenemus hampei, Leucoptera coffee Ila, Toxoptera auranlii, or Xylotrechus quadripes; the useful plants are Fruit trees, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Otiorhynchus spp., Otiorhynchus cribricollis, Otiorhynchus sulcalus, Anastrepha spp., Anastrepha fraterculus, Anastrepha ludens, Anastrepha obliqua, Bactrocera spp., Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera cucurbilae, Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera oleae, Bactrocera tyroni, Bactrocera zonata, Aonidiella spp., Aonidiella aurantii, Aonidiella citrina, Aonidiella inomata, Aspidiotus nerii, Cacopsylla spp., Cacopsylla pyri, Cacopsylla pyricola, Erthesina fullo, Euphyllura olivina, Graphocephala versuta, Parlatoria oleae, Philaenus spumarius, Saissetia oleae, Halyomorpha halys, Pianococcus citri, Euzophera semifuneralis, or Frankliniella occidentalis,' the useful plants are Grapes, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae, Altica chalybea, Diabrotica speciosa, Harmonia axyridis, Popillia japonica, Drosophila suzukii, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Draeculacephala spp., Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Erythroneura vitis, Graphocephala versuta, Homalodisca vitripennis, Oncometopia orbona, Philaenus spumarius, Scaphoideus titanus, Halyomorpha halys, Agrotis c-nigrum, Paralobesia viteana, or Tortrix velutinana; the useful plant is Rice, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Oulema oryzae, Agromyza oryzae, Chlorops oryzae, Erthesina fullo, Nephotettix virescens, Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera, Oebalus pugnax, Chilo suppressalis, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, or Scirpophaga incertulas; the useful plant is Soybean, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Cerotoma trifurcata, Diabrotica speciosa, Popillia japonica, Aphis glycine, Erthesina fullo, Chinavia hilaris, Dichelops melacanthus, Euschistus spp., Euschistus her os, Euschistus servus, Nezara viridula, Piezodorus guildinii, Spissistilus festinus, Agrotis ipsilon, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Helicoverpa zea, Plathypena scabra, Pseudoplusia includens, Spodoptera frugiperda, Melanoplus spp., Melanoplus differ entialis, Melanoplus femurrubrum, or Heterodera glycines,' or the useful plants are Vegetables, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Cerotoma trifurcata, Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica spp., Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata how ar di, Disonycha xanthomelas, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epilachna varivestis, Epitrix spp., Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Listronotus oregonensis, Metriona bicolor, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Delia platura, Delia radicum, Liriomyza sativae, Ophiomyia simplex, Pegomya hyoscyami, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis spp., Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Brevicoryne brassicae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Anasa tristis, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Brachycorynella asparagi, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Agrotis ipsilon, Colias eurytheme, Evergestos rimosalis, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca spp., Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Melittia cucurbitae, family Noctuidae, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia, Pieris rapae, Plathypena scabra, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Ptorimaea operculella, Spodoptera spp., Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Tuta absoluta, Frankliniella tritici, or Thrips tabaci.

[0259] Embodiment 6 is directed to a method of any of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the useful plant is selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper, or Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Systena blanda, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and Tuta absoluta; the useful plant is tomato, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Halyomorpha halys, Spodoptera exigua, or Tuta absoluta; the useful plant is selected from Phaseolus spp., Vicia faba, or Pisum sativum, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Cerotoma trifurcata, Diabrotica speciosa, Epilachna varivestis, Delia platura, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis fabae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Halyomorpha halys, Colias eurytheme, Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis, or Plathypena scabra, the useful plant is Brassica oleracea, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, Delia radicum, Brevicoryne brassicae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Evergestos rimosalis, Pieris rapae, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Frankliniella tritici or Thrips tabacr, the useful plant is Cucurbita spp., and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Aphis gossypii, Erthesina fullo, Anasa tristis, Melittia cucurbitae, or Trichoplusia nr, the useful plant is selected from Ipomoea batatas, Asparagus officinalis, or Allium cepa, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, family Elateridae, Metriona bicolor, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Erthesina fullo, Ophiomyia simplex, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Brachycorynella asparagi, Agrotis ipsilon, family Noctuidae or Thrips tabacr, the useful plant is Spinacia oleracea, Lactuca sativa, or Daucus carota, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Disonycha xanthomelas, Listronotus oregonensis, Systena blanda, Liriomyza sativae, Pegomya hyoscyami, Erthesina fullo, Myzus persicae, Lygus lineolaris, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Helicoverpa zea, family Noctuidae, Spodoptera exigua, or Trichoplusia nr, or the useful plant is Solanum tuberosum, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epitrix spp., Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Delia platura, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Agrotis ipsilon, Manduca spp. and Ptorimaea operculella. Embodiment 7 is directed to a method according to any of Embodiments 1 to 6, which comprises applying the pelargonic acid composition to said plant as a foliar spray.

[0260] Embodiment 8 is directed to a method according to any of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the composition is applied in an amount sufficient to deliver pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, to the useful plants in an amount of from 1 to 2,600 g / ha, from 50 to 1,300 g / ha, from 150 to 1,000 g / ha, or from 150 to 650 g / ha.

[0261] Embodiment 9 is directed to a method according to any of Embodiments 1 to 6, which comprises applying the pelargonic acid composition to plant propagation material of said plant.

[0262] Embodiment 10 is directed to a method according to any of Embodiments 1 to 6, or 9, wherein the plant propagation material is a seed of said plant and the composition is applied in an amount sufficient to deliver pelargonic acid to the seeds in an amount from 0.3 to 100 g / t.

[0263] Embodiment 11 is directed to a method according to any of Embodiments 1 to 10, where the plant exhibits low phytotoxicity following application of the pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof.

[0264] Embodiment 12 is directed to the use of a composition of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, as an elicitor to induce a plant pest defense response in a useful plant.

[0265] Embodiment 13 is directed to a plant propagation material treated with a pelargonic acid composition.

[0266] Embodiment 14 is directed to a plant propagation material according to Embodiment 13, wherein the plant propagation material is a seed.

[0267] It is recognized that those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0268] It is noted that the description and / or claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as an antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only,” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a “negative” limitation. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Any recited method may be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is logically possible.

[0269] Where applicable or not specifically disclaimed, any one of the embodiments described herein is contemplated to be able to combine with any other one or more embodiments, even though the embodiments are described, under different aspects of the invention. As such, the preceding general areas of utility are given by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting on the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims.

[0270] Additional objects and advantages associated with the compounds, compositions, methods, and processes of the present invention will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the instant claims, description, and examples. For example, the various aspects and embodiments of the invention may be utilized in numerous combinations, all of which are expressly contemplated by the present description. These additional advantages, objects, and embodiments are expressly included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of inducing defensive responses in useful plants to build up the plants’ natural defense system against plant pests, which comprises applying an insecticidally effective amount of a composition of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, to a plant, a plant part, or to a locus of a plant.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is applied to the useful plants prior to infestation by the plant pests.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein following application of the composition, the plants defense mechanisms are stimulated to repel plant pests, inhibit or indirectly control the growth rate or reproduction of plant pests, increase mortality of the plant pests, eradicate the plant pests, and / or reduce damage to plants caused by the plant pests.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the useful plant is selected from Corn, Cotton, Cereals selected from wheat (winter and spring), spelt, durum, rye, barley, oats, millet, or triticale, Oilseed rape selected from Brassica napus subsp. napus, Brassica rapa, o Brassica juncea. Perennials selected from Coffee, Fruit trees comprising Abiu, Almond, Amla (Indian gooseberry), Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Bael, Ber (Indian plum), Carambola (starfruit), Cashew, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Crab apple, Damson, Durian, Elderberry, Fig, Grapefruit, Guava, Jackfruit, Jujube, Loquat, Lychee, Mango, Medlar, Morello cherry, Mulberry, Olive, Pawpaw, tropical Carica papaya, the North American Asimina triloba, Peach, Nectarine, Pear, Pecan, Persimmon, Plum, Pomelo, Quince, Pomegranate, Rambutan, Sapodilla (chikoo), Soursop, Sugar-apple (sharifa), Sweet chestnut, Tamarillo, Ugli fruit, Walnut, or Water Apple, Grapes, Rice, Sorghum, Soybean, Turfgrass, and Vegetables selected from Brassica oleracea including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Chinese broccoli, collard greens, Raphanus sativus, Daucus carola, Pastinaca saliva. Beta vulgaris including beetroot, sea beet, Swiss chard, and sugar beet, Lactuca saliva. Aspargus officinalis, Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus, Phaseolus lunatus, Vicia faba, Pisum sativum, Potato, Solanum melongena, Tomato, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita spp. selected from pumpkin, squash, marrow, zucchini, or gourd, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Allium ampeloprasum, Capsicum annuum, Spinacia oleracea, Dioscorea spp., Ipomoea batatas, and Manihot esculenta.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the useful plants are Cereals, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Erthesina fullo, Meloidogyne graminicola, Schizaphis graminum, Sitobion avenae, Rhopalosiphum padi, or Metopolophium dirhodum: the useful plants are Corn or Sorghum, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Oligonychus pralensis. Tetranychus urticae, Agriotes linneatus, Chaetocnema pulicaria, Diabrotica spp., Diabrotica barberi, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, Melanotus communis, Sphenophorous maidis, Delia platura, Dalbulus maidis, Erthesina fullo, Rhopalosiphum spp., Rhopalosiphum maidis, Rhopalosiphum padi, Dichelops melacanthus, Agrotis ipsilon, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Helicoverpa spp., Helicoverpa armigera, Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis, Spodoptera frugiperda, Striacosta albicosta, Frankliniella spp., Frankliniella occidentalis, or Frankliniella williamsi; the useful plant is Cotton, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Anthonomus grandis; Diabrotica speciosa, Aphis spp., Aphis craccivora, Aphis gossypii, Bemisia spp., Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci, Myzus persicae, Trialeurodes spp., Trialeurodes abutiloneus, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Erthesina fullo, Euschistus her os, Helicoverpa armigera, Pectinophora gossypiella, Frankliniella spp., Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella tritici, or Thrips tabaci,' the useful plant is Oilseed rape, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Ceutorhynchus spp., Ceutorhynchus assimilis, Ceutorhynchus napi Gy ll, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus, Ceutorhynchus picitarsis, Ceutorhynchus quadridens, Ceutorhynchus rapae, Diabrotica speciosa, Meligethes aeneus, Phyllotreta spp., Psylliodes spp., Psylliodes chrysocephala, Erthesina fullo, o Myzus persicae; the useful plants are Perennial crops, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae, Altica chalybea, Diabrotica speciosa, Harmonia axyridis, Hypothenemus hampei, Leucoptera coffeella, Otiorhynchus spp., Otiorhynchus cribricollis, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Popillia japonica, Anastrepha spp., Anastrepha fraterculus, Anastrepha ludens, Anastrepha obliqua, Bactrocera spp., Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera cucurbitae, Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera oleae, Bactrocera tyroni, Bactrocera zonata, Drosophila suzukii, Aonidiella spp., Aonidiella aurantii, Aonidiella citrina, Aonidiella inomata, Aspidiotus nerii, Cacopsylla spp., Cacopsylla pyri, Cacopsyllapyricola, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Draeculacephala spp., Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Erythroneura vitis, Euphyllura olivina, Graphocephala versuta, Homalodisca vitripennis, Oncometopia orbona, Parlatoria oleae, Philaenus spumarius, Saissetia oleae, Scaphoideus titanus, Halyomorpha halys, Pianococcus cilri, Agrotis c-nigrum, Euzophera semifuneralis, Paralobesia viteana, Tortrix velutinana, or Frankliniella occidentalis; the useful plant is Coffee, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Coccus viridis, Erthesina fullo, Hypothenemus hampei, Leucoptera coffeella, Toxoptera aurantii, or Xylotrechus quadripes; the useful plants are Fruit trees, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Otiorhynchus spp., Otiorhynchus cribricollis, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Anastrepha spp., Anastrepha fraterculus, Anastrepha ludens, Anastrepha obliqua, Bactrocera spp., Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera cucurbitae, Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera oleae, Bactrocera tyroni, Bactrocera zonata, Aonidiella spp., Aonidiella aurantii, Aonidiella citrina, Aonidiella inomata, Aspidiotus nerii, Cacopsylla spp., Cacopsylla pyri, Cacopsylla pyricola, Erthesina fullo, Euphyllura olivina, Graphocephala versuta, Parlatoria oleae, Philaenus spumarius, Saissetia oleae, Halyomorpha halys, Pianococcus citri, Euzophera semifuneralis, or Frankliniella occidentalis,' the useful plants are Grapes, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae, Altica chalybea, Diabrotica speciosa, Harmonia axyridis, Popillia japonica, Drosophila suzukii, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Draeculacephala spp., Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Erythroneura vitis, Graphocephala versuta, Homalodisca vitripennis, Oncometopia orbona, Philaenus spumarius, Scaphoideus titanus, Halyomorpha halys, Agrotis c-nigrum, Paralobesia viteana, or Tortrix velutinana; the useful plant is Rice, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Oulema oryzae, Agromyza oryzae, Chlorops oryzae, Erthesina fullo, Nephotettix virescens, Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera, Oebalus pugnax, Chilo suppressalis, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, or Scirpophaga incertulas; the useful plant is Soybean, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Cerotoma trifurcata, Diabrotica speciosa, Popillia japonica, Aphis glycine, Erthesina fullo, Chinavia hilaris, Dichelops melacanthus, Euschistus spp., Euschistus her os, Euschistus servus, Nezara viridula, Piezodorus guildinii, Spissistilus festinus, Agrotisipsilon, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Helicoverpa zea, Plathypena scabra, Pseudoplusia includens. Spodoptera frugiperda, Melanoplus spp., Melanoplus differ entialis, Melanoplus femurrubrum, or Heterodera glycines,' or the useful plants are Vegetables, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Cerotoma trifurcata, Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica spp., Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata how ar di, Disonycha xanthomelas, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epilachna varivestis, Epitrix spp., Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Listronotus oregonensis, Metriona bicolor, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Delia platura, Delia radicum, Liriomyza sativae, Ophiomyia simplex, Pegomya hyoscyami, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis spp., Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Brevicoryne brassicae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Anasa tristis, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Brachycorynella asparagi, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Agrotis ipsilon, Colias eurytheme, Evergestos rimosalis, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca spp., Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Melittia cucurbitae, family Noctuidae, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia, Pieris rapae, Plathypena scabra, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Ptorimaea operculella, Spodoptera spp., Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Tuta absoluta, Frankliniella tritici, or Thrips tabaci.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the useful plant is selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper, or Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Systena blanda, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and Tuta absoluta;the useful plant is tomato, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Leptinotarsa decemlineala. Halyomorpha halys, Spodoptera exigua, or Tula absolula the useful plant is selected from Phaseolus spp., Vicia faba or Pisum sativum, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Cerotoma trifurcata, Diabrotica speciosa, Epilachna varivestis, Delia platura, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis fabae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Halyomorpha halys, Colias eurytheme, Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis, or Plathypena scabra, the useful plant is Brassica oleracea, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, Delia radicum, Brevicoryne brassicae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Evergestos rimosalis, Pieris rapae, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Frankliniella tritici or Thrips tabacr, the useful plant is Cucurbita spp., and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Aphis gossypii, Erthesina fullo, Anasa tristis, Melittia cucurbitae or Trichoplusia nr, the useful plant is selected from Ipomoea batatas, Asparagus officinalis, or Allium cepa, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, family Elateridae, Metriona bicolor, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Erthesina fullo, Ophiomyia simplex, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Brachycorynella asparagi, Agrotis ipsilon, family Noctuidae or Thrips tabacr, the useful plant is Spinacia oleracea, Lactuca sativa, or Daucus carota, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Disonycha xanthomelas, Listronotus oregonensis, Systena blanda, Liriomyza sativae, Pegomya hyoscyami, Erthesina fullo, Myzus persicae, Lygus lineolaris, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Helicoverpa zea, family Noctuidae, Spodoptera exigua, or Trichoplusia nr, or the useful plant is Solanum tuberosum, and the plant pest comprises at least one of Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epitrix spp.,Leptinotarsa decemlineala, Delia plalura, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbias, Myzus persicae, Agrotis ipsilon, Manduca spp. and Ptorimaea operculella.

7. A method according to claim 1, which comprises applying the pelargonic acid composition to said plant as a foliar spray.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the composition is applied in an amount sufficient to deliver pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, to the useful plants in an amount of from 1 to 2,600 g / ha, from 50 to 1,300 g / ha, from 150 to 1,000 g / ha, or from 150 to 650 g / ha.

9. A method according to claim 1, which comprises applying the pelargonic acid composition to plant propagation material of said plant.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the plant propagation material is a seed of said plant and the composition is applied in an amount sufficient to deliver pelargonic acid to the seeds in an amount from 0.3 to 100 g / t.

11. A method according to claim 1, where the plant exhibits low phytotoxicity following application of the pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof.

12. Use of a composition of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, as an elicitor to induce a plant pest defense response in a useful plant.

13. A plant propagation material treated with a pelargonic acid composition.

14. The plant propagation material according to claim 12, wherein the plant propagation material is a seed.

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