Fungicidal combinations, compositions methods, and applications thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fungicidal combinations and compositions. The present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination and composition comprising fluazinam and at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicide, phthalimide fungicide and benzamide fungicide. The present disclosure also provides fungicidal combinations and compositions for controlling or preventing resistant fungal diseases.

Description

FUNGICIDAL COMBINATIONS, COMPOSITIONS METHODS, AND APPLICATIONS THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure pertains to the field of agrochemicals, particularly towards agricultural pest (fungal pathogen) control. In particular, the present disclosure relates to fungicidal combinations and compositions for controlling / preventing fungal disease in plants / crops.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art to the presently claimed disclosure.

[0003] Infection of various phytopathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, nematodes etc. results in deterioration of the quality of plants, considerable reduction of yield, and even death, this results in significant economic losses. About 80% of these diseases are caused by pathogenic fungi. Fungal disease of crops has become an important bottleneck for the development of sustainable agriculture. Thus, to achieve efficient and stable production of agricultural crops there is a need to effectively control fungal disease in crops.

[0004] One of the most damaging pathogen to viticulture worldwide is Plasmopara viticola which causes downy mildew. The disease has spread from America to Europe and then to all grapevine-growing countries since its recognition in the middle of nineteenth century. This has led to significant economic losses due to the lack of efficient disease control. Increasing application of contact and penetrating single-site fungicides, to control downy mildew, has led to the development of resistant fungal strains.

[0005] Late blight of potato is another difficult-to-control disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans. It can cause crop failures in a short period of time if appropriate control measures are not adopted. The disease is characterized by blackish / brown lesions on leaves and stems that may be small at first but expand rapidly and can kill the entire plant. In humid conditions, the fungus produces white spores that can spread the disease to other plants. In view of this, there is a need for fungicidal agents which are effective in controlling or preventing the proliferation of downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola and Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans.OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in plants / crops.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing resistant fungal disease in plants / crops.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in plants / crops.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure pertains to the technical field of agricultural combinations and compositions for controlling fungal diseases in crops / plants. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to fungicidal combinations and compositions comprising compounds for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops.

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans, the combination comprising: a) fluazinam; andb) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans, the composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure provides use of the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans, comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0014] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate thedisclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0016] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0017] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and “including” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”

[0018] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0019] As used in the description herein and throughout the numbered embodiments or claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, ratio and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the disclosure are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.

[0021] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0022] The headings and abstract of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0023] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure otherwise claimed.

[0024] The following discussion provides many exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if oneembodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0025] Various terms as used herein are described below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0026] The term “about” as used herein encompasses variations of + / - 10% and more preferably + / -5%, or any such variations that are appropriate for practicing the present disclosure to achieve desired effects.

[0027] The term “locus” as used herein means fields in or on which plants are growing, or where seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or where seed will be placed into the soil. The term also includes the vicinity of a desired crop in which fungal control is desired.

[0028] The term “crop” shall include a multitude of desired plants or an individual plant growing at a locus. As used herein, the term “plant” and “crop” have been used interchangeably throughout the present disclosure. Said term refers to all physical parts of a plant including foliage / leaves, seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, and fruits.

[0029] The term “control” or “controlling” or “prevent” or “preventing” a fungal pathogen refers to inhibiting or reducing the growth, reducing the ability of fungal pathogen to grow or reproduce or proliferate or spread, including killing (e.g. , causing the morbidity or mortality, or reduced fecundity) of fungal pathogen. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, decrease or treatment of the disease.

[0030] The term “fungi”, “fungus”, “phytopathogenic fungi”, “phytopathogenic fungus” or the likes as used herein refers to fungi or fungus-like pathogens having the ability to cause infection or disease in plants.

[0031] The term “fungicide” as used herein means a compound that controls, modifies, inhibits or prevents the growth of fungi. The term “fungi cidally effective amount” means the quantity of such a compound or combination of such compounds that is capable of producing an effect on the growth of fungi.

[0032] As mentioned above, there are several different chemical classes of fungal control agents / fungicides available, each having variable degrees of systemicity, specificity, duration of activity and risk of resistance.

[0033] Fluazinam is a broad- spectrum diarylamine fungicide and more specifically an arylaminopyridine class fungicide. Fluazinam is an extremely potent uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria and also has high reactivity with thiols. One of the unique properties of fluazinam amongst other uncouplers in displaying broad- spectrum activity against fungi and very low toxicity to mammals due to it being rapidly metabolised to a compound without uncoupling activity. It acts by inhibiting the germination of spores and the development of infection structures. Fluazinam along with other fungicidal agents shows improved efficacy against various fungal pathogens.

[0034] It was surprisingly found by the present inventors that the combination of fluazinam and other systemic fungicides results in an enhancement of fungicidal efficacy for Plasmopara viticola and Phytophthora infestans, and a surprising reduction in fungal disease incidence. As will be demonstrated in the examples below, the enhanced effect of the present fungicidal combination and composition thereof in preventing various fungal disease is far superior to individual fungicides. Therefore, these unexpected advantages of the fungicidal products of the presentdisclosure in preventing various crop disease have been attributed to synergism between the two active compounds or class of compounds combined herein.

[0035] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans, the combination comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0036] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling Plasmopara viticola, the combination comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0037] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling Phytophthora infestans, the combination comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0038] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans in plants / crops, the combination comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0039] In an embodiment, the combination is effective in crop species belonging to the Vitaceae family.

[0040] In an embodiment, the combination is effective in crop species belonging to the Solanaceae family.

[0041] In an embodiment, the crop is common grapevine (Vitis vinifera).

[0042] In an embodiment, the crop is potato (Solarium tuberosum).

[0043] In an embodiment, the mandelamide fungicide is mandipropamid.

[0044] In an embodiment, the phthalimide fungicide is selected from captafol, captan, folpet or thiochlorfenphim.

[0045] In another embodiment, the phthalimide fungicide is folpet.

[0046] In an embodiment, the benzamide fungicide is selected from benzohydroxamic acid, flumetover, fluopicolide, fluopimomide, tioxymid, trichlamide, zarilamid, zoxamide.

[0047] In another embodiment, the benzamide fungicide is fluopicolide.

[0048] In another embodiment, the benzamide fungicide is zoxamide.

[0049] In an embodiment, fluazinam and the second fungicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1: 10 to 10: 1.

[0050] In an embodiment, fluazinam and the second fungicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:2 to 1:8.

[0051] In an embodiment, fluazinam and the second fungicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:4 to 1:6.

[0052] In an embodiment, fluazinam and mandelamide fungicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:3 to 3:1.

[0053] In another embodiment, fluazinam and mandipropamid are combined in a ratio of 1.6: 1.

[0054] In an embodiment, fluazinam and phthalimide fungicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1: 10 to 10: 1.

[0055] In another embodiment, fluazinam and phthalimide fungicide are combined in a ratio of 1:5.

[0056] In another embodiment, fluazinam and folpet are combined in a ratio of 1:5.

[0057] In another embodiment, fluazinam and benzamide fungicide are em combined in a ratio in the range from 1:5 to 5: 1.

[0058] In another embodiment, fluazinam and zoxamide fungicides are combined in a ratio of 1.3: 1.

[0059] In another embodiment, fluazinam and fluopicolide are combined in a ratio of 2: 1.

[0060] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops / plants of the present disclosure may further comprise additional fungicides selected from morpholine fungicides, triazole fungicides, acylamino acid fungicides, anilide fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, strobilurin fungicides, aromatic fungicides, arsenical fungicides, aryl phenyl ketone fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole precursor fungicides, benzothiazole fungicides, bridged diphenyl fungicides, carbamate fungicides, conazole fungicides, copper fungicides, dicarboximide fungicides, dinitrophenol fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, dithiolane fungicides, hydrazide fungicides, imidazole fungicides, inorganic fungicides, organophosphorus fungicides, organotin fungicides, oxathiin fungicides, oxazole fungicides, pyrimidine fungicides, pyrrole fungicides, quinoline fungicides, quinone fungicides, quinoxaline fungicides, thiadiazole fungicides, thiazole fungicides, thiazolidine fungicides, thiocarbamate fungicides, thiophene fungicides, triazine fungicides, triazolopyrimidine fungicides, urea fungicides, zinc fungicides, unclassified fungicides and mixtures thereof.

[0061] According to some embodiments, fungicides of the combinations as disclosed above, may be mixed at the time of application or on the point of application. The point of application refers to the locus of application of the said fungicides. The said locus could be an infected plant or vicinity of the plant where the plant grows or a seed or any other plant propagation material, or an area adjacent to the said infected plant or a seed or any other plant propagation material and / or foliage.

[0062] While the subsequent embodiments focus on fungicidal compositions, the features and characteristics of fungicides, fungal pathogen and disease, plant / crop, mode of action, are as described by any of the embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of the fungicidal composition, described herein.

[0063] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans, the composition comprising: a) fluazinam; b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0064] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition for controlling Plasmopara viticola, the composition comprising: a) fluazinam; b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0065] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition for controlling Phytophthora infestans, the composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0066] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans in plants / crops, the composition comprising: a) fluazinam; b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0067] In an embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipients are selected from solvents, fillers, diluents, wetting agents, dispersing agents, surfactants, pH modifier, emulsifiers, anti-foaming agents, anti-caking agents, stabilizers, biocides, antifreeze agents or a combination thereof.

[0068] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solvent is selected from aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic compounds or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol, and also ethers and esters thereof, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such as dimethylformamide and dimethylsulphoxide, and also water.

[0069] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable carrier is selected from a solid carrier or a liquid carrier.

[0070] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable liquid carrier is selected from 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-dichloropropane,diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4-dioxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1 -trichloroethane, 2-heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobomyl 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, and alcohols of higher molecular weight, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and combinations thereof.

[0071] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solid carrier is selected from 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 combinations thereof.

[0072] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable surfactants may be selected from nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl (mono- or di-) phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene (mono-, di-or tri-) styrylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid (mono- or di-)esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, castor oil ethylene oxide adducts, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene glycol, ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene alcohol, alkyl glycosides, etc.; anionic surfactants, such as alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, naphthalene sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, salts of formalin condensate of naphthalenesulfonic acid, salts of formalin condensate of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid ester salts, polyoxyethylene (mono- or di-) alkylphenyl ether sulfate or phosphate ester salts, polyoxyethylene (mono-, di- or tri)styrylphenyl ether sulfuric or phosphoric ester salts, polycarboxylates (for example, polyacrylic acid salts, polymaleic acid salts, a copolymer of maleic acid and olefin, etc.), polystyrene sulfonate, etc.; cationic surfactants, such as alkyl amine salts, alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, etc.; amphoteric surfactants of amino acid type, betaine type, etc.; silicone surfactants, fluorine surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0073] In one embodiment, the fungicidal composition for controlling / preventing fungal disease in plants / crops may contain ionic and nonionic dispersing agents to enable disintegration of granules in water with ease, such as salts of polystyrenesulphonic acids, salts of polyvinylsulphonic acids, salts of naphthalenesulphonic acid / formaldehyde condensates, salts of condensates of naphthalenesulphonic acid, phenolsulphonic acid and formaldehyde, and salts of lignosulphonic acid, polyethylene oxide / polypropylene oxide block copolymers, polyethylene glycol ethers of linear alcohols, reaction products of fatty acids with ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide, furthermore polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone and copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters, furthermore alkyl ethoxylates and alkylarylethoxylates. The preferred dispersing agents includesodium naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, polyethyleneglycol mono- [2,4,6-tris (1 -phenylethyl] phenyl ether or a combination thereof.

[0074] In one embodiment, the fungicidal composition for controlling / preventing fungal disease in plants / crops may contain stabilizers. Such stabilizers may include carboxylic acids, such as citric acid and butenedioic acid or inorganic components such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate which may also act as a pH modifier.

[0075] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling / preventing fungal disease in plants / crops of the present disclosure comprise at least one antifoaming agent which are usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. In some embodiments, the preferred antifoaming agents are selected from silicone oil and magnesium stearate or a suitable combination thereof.

[0076] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling / preventing fungal disease in crops of the present disclosure comprise at least one pH modifier selected from organic and inorganic components that are usually employed in agrochemical compositions to modify the pH. In a non-limiting embodiment, the pH modifier may be selected from potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and sodium dihydrogen phosphate. However, the choice of a pH modifier is not particularly limiting.

[0077] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease is in a solid dosage form or liquid dosage form.

[0078] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease is in a dosage form selected from a group comprising aerosols, capsule suspensions, cold-fogging concentrates, warm-fogging concentrates, encapsulated granules, fine granules, flowable concentrates for thetreatment of seed, ready-to-use solutions, dustable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in oil emulsions, macrogranules, microgranules, oil-dispersible powders, oil-miscible flowable concentrates, oil- miscible liquids, foams, pastes, pesticide-coated seed, suspension concentrates, suspension emulsion concentrates, soluble concentrates, suspensions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts and granules, water-soluble granules or tablets, water-soluble powders for the treatment of seed, wettable powders, natural products and synthetic substances impregnated with active compound, and also microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating materials for seed, and also ULV cold fogging and warm-fogging formulations.

[0079] In an embodiment, the concentration of fluazinam is in the range from 0.1% w / w to about 90% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0080] In an embodiment, the concentration of fluazinam is in the range from 10% w / w to about 80% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0081] In an embodiment, the concentration of fluazinam is in the range from 20% w / w to about 70% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0082] In an embodiment, the concentration of fluazinam is in the range from 30% w / w to about 60% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0083] In an embodiment, the concentration of fluazinam is in the range from 40% w / w to about 50% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0084] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from 0.1% w / w to about 90% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0085] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from 10% w / w to about 80% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0086] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from 20% w / w to about 70% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0087] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from 30% w / w to about 60% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0088] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from 40% w / w to about 50% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0089] In an embodiment, the concentration of benzamide fungicide is in the range from 0.1% w / w to about 90% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0090] In an embodiment, the concentration of benzamide fungicide is in the range from 10% w / w to about 80% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0091] In an embodiment, the concentration of benzamide fungicide is in the range from 20% w / w to about 70% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0092] In an embodiment, the concentration of benzamide fungicide is in the range from 30% w / w to about 60% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0093] In an embodiment, the concentration of benzamide fungicide is in the range from 40% w / w to about 50% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0094] In an embodiment, the concentration of phthalimide fungicide is in the range from 0.1% w / w to about 90% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0095] In an embodiment, the concentration of phthalimide fungicide is in the range from 0.1% w / w to about 90% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0096] In an embodiment, the concentration of phthalimide fungicide is in the range from 10% w / w to about 80% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0097] In an embodiment, the concentration of phthalimide fungicide is in the range from 20% w / w to about 70% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0098] In an embodiment, the concentration of phthalimide fungicide is in the range from 30% w / w to about 60% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0099] In an embodiment, the concentration of phthalimide fungicide is in the range from 40% w / w to about 50% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0100] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 0.01% to 99% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0101] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 0.1% to 90% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0102] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 10% to 90% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0103] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 20% to 80% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0104] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 30% to 70% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0105] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 40% to 60% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0106] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 45% to 50% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0107] While the subsequent embodiments focus on method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops, method of preventing a fungal disease in crops, and method of improving crop health, all the features and characteristics of fungicidal combination, fungicidal composition, fungicides, fungal disease, fungal pathogen, and crop / plant are as described by any of the embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops, method of preventing a fungal disease in crops, and method of improving crop health.

[0108] The present disclosure further relates to a method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops, said method comprising contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crops an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition, as described above.

[0109] The present disclosure also provides a method of preventing a fungal disease in crops, said method comprising contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crops an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition, as described above.

[0110] The present disclosure additionally provides a method of improving crop health in crops susceptible to phytopathogenic fungi, said method comprisingcontacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crops an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition, as described above.

[0111] While the subsequent embodiments focus on method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops, method of preventing a fungal disease in crops, and method of improving crop health, all the features and characteristics of fungicidal combination, fungicidal composition, fungicides, fungal disease, fungal pathogen, and crop / plant are as described by any of the embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops, method of preventing a fungal disease in crops, and method of improving crop health.

[0112] In some embodiments, the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi, the method of preventing a fungal disease, or the method of improving crop health comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crops, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition, comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0113] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal diseases in crops / plants caused by Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0114] In an embodiment, the crops / plants are grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and Potato (Solatium tuberosum).

[0115] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal diseases in crops / plants caused by Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0116] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal diseases in crops / plants caused by Plasmopara viticola by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0117] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal diseases in crops / plants caused by Phytophthora infestans by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0118] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for preventing fungal diseases in crops / plants caused by Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; andb) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0119] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for preventing fungal diseases in crops / plants caused by Plasmopara viticola by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0120] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for preventing fungal diseases in crops / plants caused by Phytophthora infestans by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0121] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant health by applying to foliage of the crops, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0122] In an embodiment, fluazinam is applied at a rate in the range from 100 to 500 g ai / ha.

[0123] In an embodiment, fluazinam is applied at a rate in the range from 200 to 300 g ai / ha.

[0124] In an embodiment, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 200 g ai / ha.

[0125] In an embodiment, fluazinam is applied at a rate 250 g ai / ha.

[0126] In an embodiment, the second fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from 100 to 1500 g ai / ha.

[0127] In an embodiment, the second fungicide is selected from mandelamid fungicide, phthalimide fungicide, and benzamide fungicide.

[0128] In an embodiment, mandelamide fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from 100 to 200 g ai / ha.

[0129] In an embodiment, mandelamide fungicide is mandipropamid and it is applied at a rate of 120 g ai / ha.

[0130] In an embodiment, mandipropamid fungicide is applied at a rate of 125 g ai / ha.

[0131] In an embodiment, benzamide fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from of 100 g ai / ha to 500 g ai / ha.

[0132] In an embodiment, benzamide fungicide is fluopicolide and zoxamide and is applied at a rate of 100 g ai / ha and 150 g ai / ha, respectively.

[0133] In an embodiment, phthalimide fungicide is applied at a rate of 500 to 1500 g ai / ha.

[0134] In an embodiment, folpet is applied at a rate of 500 to 1500 g ai / ha.

[0135] In an embodiment, phthalimide fungicide is folpet and it is applied at a rate of 1000 g ai / ha.

[0136] The fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease of the present disclosure may be applied simultaneously as a tank mix or may be applied sequentially. The application may be made to plant or parts thereof, or the soil before emergence of the plants, either pre -planting or post-planting. The application may be made as a foliar spray at different timings during crop development, with either one or two applications early or late post-emergence. Thefungicidal combinations 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 ingredient components, 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 with a reasonably short period, such as a few minutes, hours or days.

[0137] The methods of the present disclosure can be carried out in agricultural lands such as fields, lawns and orchards, or in non- agricultural lands. The present methods may be used to control diseases in agricultural lands for cultivating the plants without any phytotoxicity to the plant. The fungicidal combinations and compositions of the present disclosure do not show any sign or symptoms of any phytotoxicity and are safe at different growth stages of crops.

[0138] In some embodiments, the combinations or compositions of the present disclosure may be applied by various conventional preventing techniques and machines, such as sprayers, fluidized bed techniques, the roller mill method, drones, rotostatic seed treaters, and drum coaters, spouted beds, etc. Pre- and post-coating procedures such as sizing etc., may also be carried out. Such procedures are known in the art. It is readily understood that plant propagation material will typically be treated only once it is removed from the plant and is ready to be re-sown.

[0139] In some embodiments, the treatment may occur before sowing of the plant propagation material so that the sown material has been pre-treated with the present fungicidal combination or composition. In particular, seed coating or seed pelleting are preferred in the treatment of the present fungicidal combination or composition according to the disclosure. As a result of the treatment, the active ingredients in the combination and / or composition are adhered on to the seed and therefore available for disease control.

[0140] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to the use of fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Vitis vinifera comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0141] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to the use of fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing Plasmopara viticola in Vitis vinifera comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0142] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to the use of fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing Phytophthora infestans in Solanum tuberosum comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

[0143] The fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure may be provided as a kit of parts such that individual fungicides of the kit may be tank mixed, alone or together, before spraying. In some embodiments, the kit of parts may contain fluazinam and at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide, the two components may be tank mixed, alone or together, before spraying.

[0144] The combinations and the compositions according to the present disclosure are effective for controlling the plant diseases including the following ones:Diseases in peanut, for example Seed rot, Crown rot, Damping off and Seedling blight.Diseases in cotton, for example Seed rot, Damping off, and Seedling blight.Diseases in rice, for example: Sheath blight and Sheath spotDiseases in Corn, for example: Sclerotial disease, Leaf blight, Banded leaf, Crown, and brace rotDiseases in Sorghum, for example: Leaf blight and Banded leafDiseases in Bean, for example: Leaf blight, Web blight and Root rotDiseases in Soybean, for example: Leaf blight, Damping off, and Root rotsDiseases in Crimson clover, for example: Summer blightDiseases in Camphor seedlings, for example: Southern blightDiseases in Turfgrass, for example s: Brown patch and large patchDiseases in Cabbage, for example: RotDiseases in Lettuce, for example: Bottom rotDiseases in Buckwheat, for example: Damping off.Diseases in Carrot, for example: Damping off and crown root rotDiseases in Crucifers, for example: Damping offDiseases in Strawberry, for example: Bud rotDiseases in Tulip, for example: Leaf blightDiseases in Japanese radish, for example: Root rotDiseases in Edible burdock, for example: Black scurfDiseases in Sugar beet, for example: Damping off, Root rot and Leaf blightDiseases in Konjak, for example: Root rotDiseases in Potatoes, for example: Black scurf and stem / stolon cankers, and Damping offDiseases in Tobacco, for example: Target spotDiseases in Tomato, for example: Leaf blight and Fruit rotDiseases in Eggplant, for example: Brown spotDiseases in Pea, for example: Stem rotDiseases in Snap bean, for example: Pod rotDiseases in Cereals, for example: Seed rot, Damping off, Smut, Bunt, Seedling blight and Bare patchesDiseases in cucurbits, for example: downy mildew on cucurbits

[0145] In an embodiment, the target crop may include cereals such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, com, rice, sorghum, triticale and related crops; beets such as sugar beet and fodder beet; leguminous plants such as beans, lentils, peas, peanut, soybean, chickpeas; dry bean, dry pea, rye, oil plants such as rape, mustard, sunflowers; cucurbits such as marrows, cucumbers, melons; fibre plants such as cotton, flax, hemp, jute; vegetables such spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, paprika as well as ornamentals such as flowers, shrubs, broad-leaved trees and evergreens, such as conifers.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, combinations and compositions according to the present disclosure are effective in control of Cylindroclcidium parasiti 'um, Sclerotium rolfsii, Penicillium spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia genus including Rhizoctonia Solani, Ustilago genus including Ustilago Tritici, Tilletia genus including Tilletia Tritici, Fusarium genus including Fusarium Pallidoroseum, Aspergillus genus, Aspergillus genus including Aspergillus Niger and Aspergillus flavus, Phomopsis genus including Phomopsis longicolla, Ascochyta genusincluding Ascochyta lends, Ascochyta pinodella, Ascochyta pinodes, Ascochyta pisi, Macrophomina genus including Macrophomina faseolina, Phoma including Phoma sorghina, Slerotinia including Slerotinia slerotiorum, Alternaria alternata, Aphanomyces euteiches f. sp. pisi, Botryotinia fuckeliana, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora pisa-sativae, Chalara elegans, Cladosporium cladosporioides f. sp. pisicoia, Cladosporium pisicoia, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum pisi, Erysiphe pisi, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum. sp. pisi, Fusarium solani, Fusicladium pisicoia, Glomerella cingulata, Mycosphaerella pinodes, Oidium sp., Peronospora viciae, Phoma pinodella, Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Septoria pisi, Thanatephonis cucumeris, Thielaviopsis hasicola and Uromyces fabae, Soybean diseases: Cercospora kikuchii, Elsinoe glycines, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae, Septoria glycines, Cercospora sojina, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Phytophthora sojae, and Pseudoperonospora cubensis.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0147] The present fungicidal combination and fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops that demonstrates enhanced antifungal efficacy, reduced toxicity, reduced use rates, lesser damage to the environment.

[0148] The methods employed by the present disclosure indicate sustained and effective control and treatment of fungal disease in crops, preferably for controlling downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola and late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans.

[0149] The methods employed by the present disclosure further result in enhancing crop yield and improving crop health, preferably in Vitis vinifera and Solanum tuberosum susceptible to various diseases.EXAMPLES

[0150] While the foregoing description discloses various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0151] Example 1: Field Trial efficacy dataTrials were performed to evaluate the fungicidal efficacy of the present combinations: a) Fluazinam + Folpet, b) Fluazinam + Mandipropamid, c) Fluazinam + Zoxamide, and d) Fluazinam + Fluopicolide on Phytophthora infestans (late blight) in Solarium tuberosum (potato) compared to Fluazinam alone. The below table exemplifies effect of the combinations on foliage severity of the disease.Table 1: Results of treatment of potatoes with different fungicidesThe above table exemplifies that the efficacy of fluazinam combinations shows enhanced efficacy in controlling the Phytophthora infestans over fluazinam solo.

[0152] Example 2: Field Trial efficacy dataTrials were performed to evaluate the fungicidal efficacy of the present combinations: a) Fluazinam + Folpet, b) Fluazinam + Mandipropamid, c) Fluazinam + Zoxamide, and d) Fluazinam + Fluopicolide on Plasmopara viticola 5 (Downy mildew) in Vitis Vinifera (grape vine) compared to Fluazinam alone. The below table shows the effect of the combinations on % disease on the surface of the leaf.Table 2: Results of treatment of grapevine with different fungicidesThe above table exemplifies that the efficacy of fluazinam combinations shows enhanced efficacy in controlling the Plasmopara viticola over fluazinam solo.The foregoing description of the specific embodiments reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments in this disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.Throughout this specification, the term ‘combinations thereof or ‘any combination thereof or ‘any combinations thereof are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning, as regularly known in the field of patents disclosures.As regards the embodiments characterized in this specification, it is intended that each embodiment be read independently as well as in combination with another embodiment. For example, in case of some embodiments 1 reciting 3 alternatives A, B and C, some embodiments 2 reciting 3 alternatives D, E and F and some embodiments 3 reciting 3 alternatives G, H and I, it is to be understood that the specification unambiguously discloses embodiments corresponding to combinations A, D, G; A, D, H; A, D, I; A, E, G; A, E, H; A, E, I; A, F, G; A, F, H; A, F, I; B, D, G; B, D, H; B, D, I; B, E, G; B, E, H; B, E, I; B, F, G; B, F, H; B, F, I; C, D, G; C, D, H; C, D, I; C, E, G; C, E, H; C, E, I; C, F, G; C, F, H; C, F, I, unless specifically mentioned otherwise.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fungicidal combination for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infe stans, the combination comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

2. The fungicidal combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mandelamide fungicide is mandipropamid.

3. The fungicidal combination as claimed in claim 1, phthalimide fungicide is selected from captafol, captan, folpet or thiochlorfenphim.

4. The fungicidal combination as claimed in claim 1, benzamide fungicide is selected from benzohydroxamic acid, flumetover, fluopicolide, fluopimomide, tioxymid, trichlamide, zarilamid, or zoxamide.

5. The fungicidal combination as claimed in 1, wherein fluazinam and the second fungicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1: 10 to 10: 1.

6. A fungicidal composition for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infe stans, the composition comprising: a) fluazinam; b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

7. The fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the concentration of fluazinam, the second fungicide and the excipients is in the range from 0.01% w / w to about 90% w / w.

8. A method for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans by applying a fungicidal combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein fluazinam is applied at a rate in the range from 100 to 500 g ai / ha.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from 100 to 1500 g ai / ha.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein mandelamide fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from 100 to 200 g ai / ha.

12. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein benzamide fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from of 100 g ai / ha to 500 g ai / ha.

13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein phthalimide fungicide is applied at a rate of 500 to 1500 g ai / ha,14. Use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for controlling Plasmopara viticola or Phytophthora infestans, comprising: a) fluazinam; and b) at least a second fungicide selected from mandelamide fungicides, phthalimide fungicides, and benzamide fungicide.

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