Fungicidal combinations, methods, and applications thereof

Abstract

A method of controlling or preventing late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans in Solanum species comprising applying a composition comprising mandipropamid and propamocarb, or a salt thereof, to

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure pertains to the field of agrochemicals, particularly towards agricultural pest (fungal pathogen) control and corresponding products. In particular, the present disclosure relates to fungicidal combinations and compositions comprising two or more fungicidal compounds 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.

[0003] Plant diseases caused by infection of various phytopathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, nematodes etc. cause deterioration of the quality of plants, considerable reduction of yield, and even death of plants, resulting in significant economic losses. Of these diseases, 70-80% are caused by pathogenic fungi. In recent years, fungal disease of crops have become increasingly serious as they have severely affected crop yield and quality, and they have become an important bottleneck for the development of sustainable agriculture. Thus, there is a need to effectively control fungal disease in crops to achieve efficient and stable production of agricultural crops.

[0004] Fungicides are chemical compounds used to prevent, control, or eradicate the spread of fungi on crop or plants, and are important tools for managing plant diseases. Fungicides are grouped as contact, translaminar, or systemic in nature. Contact fungicides protect plant tissue topically, translaminar fungicides are redistributed from the upper sprayed leaf surface to the lower unsprayed surface, and systemic fungicides enter into plant tissue and are distributed by xylem vessels throughout the plant. Fungicides are also grouped together according to their mode of action.

[0005] Amongst various agricultural crops, potato (Solatium tuberosum) is the world’s most widely grown tuber crop and one of most important food crop. It is an economical crop and a rich source of starch and vitamins. Apart from being edible, potatoes are also used for several industrial purposes such as for the production of starch and alcohol. However, there are many diseases that affect potato tubers caused by fungi such as late blight, early blight, black scurf, fusarial wilt / dry rot, wart, powdery scab, and charcoal rot. These fungal diseases result in reduced yield, quality, and severe crop loss. In particular, late blight of potato (caused by Phytophthora infestans) is a potentially devastating disease that infects potato foliage and tubers at any stage of crop development and was also the cause of the Irish potato famine of the 1840s. When plants become infected, lesions appear on the leaves, petioles, and stems. A whitish growth of spore-producing structures may appear at the margin of the lesions on the under-leaf surfaces and potato tubers develop rot up to 15 mm (0.6 inch) deep. Secondary fungi and bacteria often invade potato tubers and produce rotting that results in great losses during storage, transit, and marketing.

[0006] The diseases in tuber crops can be managed by timely application of fungicide, though epidemics can occur rapidly once crops are infected. While many fungicide compounds belonging to various different chemical classes have been or are being developed for use in agricultural crops, however, many of these fungicides have one or more drawbacks such as low efficacy, high dosage requirements, crop tolerance or exhibiting activity only against particular phytopathogenic fungi or plant, and do not always meet the demands of the agricultural practice. Additionally, while use of fungicidal combinations or compositions comprising mixtures of different fungicide compounds have also been tried, there nonetheless exists a need in the art for improved combinations and compositions of different fungicides having enhanced activity for controlling specific phytopathogenic fungi, and at the same time has low toxicity, high stability, and reduced cost. The present disclosure tries to address said need.

[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling or preventing late blight in crops of Solanum spp. such as potato (Solarium tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure pertains to the technical field of agricultural combinations and compositions. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to fungicidal combinations and compositions comprising two or more fungicide compounds for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp.

[0010] The invention provides a method for controlling or preventing growth of late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans in crops of Solanum spp., said method comprising contacting or applying to the foliage of the crops, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition comprising: a) mandipropamid; and b) propamocarb or salts thereof

[0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides use of the fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition described herein, for preventing late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans in potato (Solanum tuberosum) .

[0012] 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

[0013] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.”

[0016] Reference throughout this specification to “one 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The headings and abstract of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 one embodiment 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The term “fungicide” as used herein means a compound that controls, modifies, inhibits or prevents the growth of fungi. The term “fungicidally 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.

[0030] The term “Propamocarb or salts thereof’ includes propamocarb hydrochloride.

[0031] 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. Older fungicides were usually multi-site in action and included dithiocarbamates (e.g., Mancozeb), phthalimides (Folpet) and chloronitriles (Chlorothalonil). More recently, single-site, oomycete-active compounds have been developed with high potency and specific spectrum of activity. The carboxylic acid amide (CAA) group of compounds are one class of single-site molecules displaying effective control of oomycetes. Several molecules, for example Mandipropamid (MPD), Iprovalicarb (IPRO), Benthiavalicarb, Dimethomorph (DMM), Flumorph, and Valifenalate, are classified as CAA compounds.

[0032] Mandipropamid (MPD) is a carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound in the mandelamide class and targets cellulose synthase-like PiCesA3 to inhibit cell wall biosynthesis in the oomycete plant pathogen. Mandipropamid is chemically known as 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-A-[2-(3-methoxy-4-prop-2-ynoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2-prop-2-ynoxyacetamide and 5 represented as follows: 25 07 25

[0033] Propamocarb hydrochloride is selectively active against Oomycetes. The fungicide 10 is xylem-mobile and can be used as drench, soil incorporation, dip or foliar spray. The action is related to membrane function, causing an efflux of cell compounds. Leakage out of the mycelium can be inhibited by the addition of sterols. Production of an unusual fatty acid was later reported in mycelial cells of Oomycetes. Propamocarb hydrochloride is chemically known as propyl [3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbamate hydrochloride and it is represented as follows:

[0034] It was surprisingly found by the present inventors that the combination of mandelamide based compounds and carbamate based compound as a fungicide for preventing controlling potato disease, results in a synergistic enhancement of fungicidal efficacy, and a surprising reduction in fungal disease incidence. For instance, the combination of mandelamide 20 based compound such as mandipropamid and carbamate compound such as Propamocarb or salts thereof or for controlling or preventing potato disease results in a synergistic enhancement of fungicidal efficacy, 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 potato disease is far superior to individual fungicides or similar combinations of the prior art. Therefore, these unexpected advantages of the fungicidal products of the present disclosure in preventing potato disease have been attributed to synergism between the two active compounds or class of compounds.

[0035] The present disclosure concerns a fungicidal combination comprising at least two fungicides for controlling phytopathogenic fungi in crops.

[0036] The present fungicidal combination can be used to control fungal disease caused by Phytophthora infestans.

[0037] The fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. More particularly, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato species selected from Solanum tuberosum, Solanum stenotomum, Solanum phureja, Solanum goniocalyx, Solanum ajanhuiri, Solanum chaucha, Solanum juzepczukii, Solanum curtilobum, and combinations thereof

[0038] The fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing a fungal disease in potato (Solanum tuberosum.): late blight (Phytophthora infe stans).

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans.

[0040] The mandelamide fungicide in the fungicidal combination or composition described herein is mandipropamid.

[0041] The carbamate fungicide in the fungicidal combination or composition described herein is selected from propamocarb or salts thereof.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato (Solanum tuberosum) comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Propamocarb hydrochloride.

[0043] In exemplary embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solarium tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Propamocarb or salts thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops 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.

[0045] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure comprising: a) at least one mandelamide fungicide; and b) at least one carbamate fungicide, are combined in a ratio of 1:10 to 10:1.

[0046] In some embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Propamocarb or salts thereof are combined in ratio of 1:10 to 10:1.

[0047] In some embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Propamocarb or salts thereof are combined in ratios of 1:10 to 10:1, l:8to8:l, l:6to6:l, l:4to4:l, 1:2 to 2:1 or 1:1.

[0048] In exemplary embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Propamocarb or salts thereof are combined in a ratio of 1:8.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The present disclosure concerns a fungicidal composition comprising at least two fungicides for controlling or preventing fungal disease in plants.

[0051] While the subsequent embodiments focus on fungicide 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.

[0052] The fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease, may comprise: a) mandipropamid; b) propamocarb or salts thereof; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient

[0053] The fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp., may comprise: a) at least one mandelamide fungicide which is mandipropamid; b) at least one carbamate fungicide which is propamocarb or a salt thereof; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient. 25 07 25

[0054] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease of potato (Solatium tuberosum), comprises: a) at least one mandelamide fungicide which is mandipropamid; b) at least one carbamate fungicide which is propamocarb or a salt thereof; and 5 c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0055] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solarium tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) at least one mandelamide fungicide which is mandipropamid; 10 b) at least one carbamate fungicide which is propamocarb or a salt thereof; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0056] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease of potato (Solarium tuberosum), comprises: 15 a) at least one mandelamide fungicide which is Mandipropamid; b) at least one carbamate fungicide selected from Propamocarb or salts thereof; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0057] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing late 20 blight of potato (Solarium tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) Mandipropamid; b) Propamocarb or salts thereof or; and c) at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient. 25

[0058] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum), comprises: a) at least one mandelamide fungicide which is Mandipropamid; b) at least one carbamate fungicide selected from Propamocarb or salts thereof; c) at least a dispersing agent; 30 d) optionally at least an antifoaming agent; e) optionally at least an anti-freezing agent; f) optionally at least a thickener; and g) optionally at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0059] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease of potato (Solatium tuberosum), comprises: a) at least one mandelamide fungicide which is Mandipropamid; b) at least one carbamate fungicide selected from Propamocarb or salts thereof; c) at least a dispersing agent; d) at least an antifoaming agent; e) at least an anti-freezing agent; f) at least a thickener; and g) optionally at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0060] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from about 1 % w / w to about 50% w / w.

[0061] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from about 1 % w / w to about 40% w / w.

[0062] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from about 1 % w / w to about 30% w / w.

[0063] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from about 1 % w / w to about 20% w / w.

[0064] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is in the range from about 1 % w / w to about 10% w / w.

[0065] In an embodiment, the concentration of mandelamide fungicide is 7.06 % w / w.

[0066] In an embodiment, the concentration of carbamate fungicide is in the range from about 20 % w / w to about 80% w / w.

[0067] In an embodiment, the concentration of carbamate fungicide is in the range from about 30 % w / w to about 60% w / w.

[0068] In an embodiment, the concentration of carbamate fungicide is in the range from about 40 % w / w to about 50% w / w.

[0069] In an embodiment, the concentration of carbamate fungicide is 69.11 % w / w.

[0070] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 0.01% to 99% w / w.

[0071] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 1% to 90% w / w.

[0072] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 10% to 80% w / w.

[0073] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 20% to 70% w / w.

[0074] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 30% to 60% w / w.

[0075] In an embodiment, the concentration of agriculturally acceptable excipient is in the range from 40% to 50% w / w.

[0076] In an embodiment, the concentration of dispersing agent is in the range from about 0.01% to about 10% w / w.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of dispersing agent is in the range from about 0.01% to about 1% w / w.

[0078] In an embodiment, the concentration of antifoaming agent is in the range from about 0.01% to about 10% w / w.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of antifoaming agent is in the range from about 0.01% to about 0.5% w / w.

[0080] In an embodiment, the concentration of anti-freezing agent is in the range from about 0.01% to about 10% w / w.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of anti-freezing agent is in the range from about 0.01% to about 5% w / w.

[0082] In an embodiment, the concentration of thickener is in the range from about 0.01% to about 10% w / w.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of thickener is in the range from about 0.01% to about 0.5% w / w.

[0084] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises agriculturally acceptable excipient selected from a group comprising solvent, carrier, filler, surfactant, dispersing agent, wetting agent, antifoam agent, stabilizing agent, pH modifier and combinations thereof.

[0085] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solvent is selected from aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic com pounds 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.

[0086] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable carrier is selected from a solid carrier or a liquid carrier.

[0087] 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-di chloropropane, diethanolamine, p-di ethylbenzene, di ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, di ethylene glycol methyl ether, N,N-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-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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 include sodium naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, polyethyleneglycol mono- [2,4,6-tris (1-phenylethyl] phenyl ether or a combination thereof.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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, Aqueous emulsion of Polyorganosiloxanes and magnesium stearate or a suitable combination thereof.

[0093] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or 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.

[0094] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. is in a solid dosage form or liquid dosage form.

[0095] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. 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 the treatment 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.

[0096] Described herein is a process for preparation of a fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease of potato (Solarium tuberosum), the process comprises: a) adding Alkylated naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde sodium salt, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, propylene glycol, sodium bentonite, aqueous emulsion of polyorganosiloxanes and mandipropamid to water under stirring to form a homogenous slurry; b) grinding the slurry in a bead mill to achieve required particle size; c) adding xanthum gum and propylene glycol to the slurry under high shear to obtain homogenous mandipropamid suspension; d) mixing mandipropamid suspension with Propamocarb hydrochloride under low agitation to homogenize the mixture of mandipropamid suspension and Propamocarb hydrochloride; e) adding aqueous emulsion of polyorganosiloxanes and magnesium aluminium silicate to the homogenized mixture followed by addition of xanthan gum with propylene glycol; and f) homogenizing the mixture to obtain a homogenous suspension of mandipropamid and propamocarb hydrochloride.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The present disclosure additionally relates to a method of improving crop health in crops susceptible to phytopathogenic fungi, 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.

[00100] 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.

[00101] The invention provides a method of controlling growth of the phytopathogenic fungus Phytophthora infestans in crops of Solanum spp., said method comprising 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) mandipropamid; and b) propamocarb or salts thereof.

[00102] The method of controlling the growth of the phytopathogenic fungus in Solanum spp., the method of preventing a fungal disease in Solanum spp., or the method of improving crop health in Solanum spp. 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) at least one mandelamide fungicide which is mandipropamid, and b) at least one carbamate fungicide which is propamocarb or a salt thereof.

[00103] In an embodiment, the mandelamide fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from about 50 to about 500 g a.i. / ha.

[00104] In an embodiment, the mandelamide fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from about 100 to about 400 g a.i. / ha.

[00105] In an embodiment, the mandelamide fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from about 200 to about 300 g a.i. / ha.

[00106] In a preferred embodiment, the mandelamide fungicide is applied at a rate of 125 g a.i. / ha.

[00107] In a preferred embodiment, the mandelamide fungicide is applied at a rate of 150 g a.i. / ha.

[00108] In an embodiment, the carbamate fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from about 100 to about 2000 g a.i. / ha.

[00109] In an embodiment, the carbamate fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from about 200 to about 1500 g a.i. / ha.

[00110] In an embodiment, the carbamate fungicide is applied at a rate in the range from about 500 to about 1000 g a.i. / ha.

[00111] In a preferred embodiment, the carbamate fungicide is applied at a rate of 1000 g a.i. / ha.

[00112] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crops an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount Propamocarb or salts thereof.

[00113] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop plants an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Propamocarb or salts thereof, wherein the Mandipropamid and Propamocarb or salts thereof are present in a ratio of about 1:10 to 10:1.

[00114] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and 25 07 25 said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungi cidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Propamocarb or salts thereof, 5 wherein Mandipropamid and Propamocarb or salts thereof are present in a ratio of about 1:8.

[00115] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans 10 which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Propamocarb or salts thereof, 15 wherein the fungicidal combination is applied at a rate from about 100 g a.i. / Ha to 2000 g a.i. / Ha.

[00116] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans 20 which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Propamocarb or salts thereof, 25 wherein the fungicidal combination is applied at a rate of about 1125 g a.i. / Ha.

[00117] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and 30 said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Propamocarb or salts thereof, wherein the Mandipropamid is applied at a rate of about 125 g a.i. / Ha and Propamocarb or salts thereof is applied at a rate of about 1000 g a.i. / ha.

[00118] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; b) fungicidally effective amount of Propamocarb or salts thereof; and c) agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[00119] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid at an amount of about 1 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; b) fungicidally effective amount of Propamocarb or salts thereof at an amount of about 1 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; and c) agriculturally acceptable excipient at an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 99 wt.%.

[00120] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid at an amount from about 5 % w / w to about 10% w / w; b) fungicidally effective amount of Propamocarb or salts thereof at an amount from about 60 % w / w to about 80% w / w; and c) agriculturally acceptable excipient at an amount of about 0.01 % w / w to about 99 % w / w.

[00121] The fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. such as potato (Solanum tuberosum) 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 postplanting. 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. The fungicidal 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.

[00122] 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.

[00123] 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 resown.

[00124] 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.

[00125] 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 at least one fungicide comprising a carboxylic acid amide compound, preferably Mandipropamid and Propamocarb or salts thereof such that the two components may be tank mixed, alone or together, before spraying.

[00126] Therefore, in an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a kit comprising a fungicidal combination comprising: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Propamocarb or salts thereof.

[00127] The present disclosure further relates to the use of the fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition described herein, for controlling fungal disease in crops.

[00128] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to the use of the fungicidal combination or the fungicide composition comprising Mandipropamid and Propamocarb or salts thereof for controlling late blight in potato (Solarium tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infe stans.

[00129] The present disclosure relates to the use of the fungicidal combination or the fungicide composition comprising a) at least one mandelamide fungicide which is mandipropamid, and b) at least carbamate fungicide which is propamocarb or a salt thereof for improving crop health wherein the crop is potato (Solanum tuberosum) and is susceptible to late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. EXAMPLES

[00130] 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. Example 1: Field Trial efficacy data: Trials were performed to evaluate the fungicidal efficacy of the present combinations: a) mandipropamid + propamocarb hydrochloride, on late blight in Solanum tuberosum (potato) compared to mandipropamid alone. 5 Table 1: Results of treatment of potatoes with mandipropamid + propamocarb hydrochloride 25 07 25 Sr no. Fungicide Treatment Application Rate (g a.i. / Ha) % Disease on Surface of Leaf 23 30 dAA dAA 1 Untreated — 54.5 100 2 Mandipropamid 125 1 6.8 3 Mandipropamid 125 0 3 Propamocarb hydrochloride 1000 Note:- dAA stands for “days after application”.

[00131] The above results demonstrate that as compared to Mandipropamid alone, the present combination of a) Mandipropamid and Propamocarb hydrochloride exhibits an overall 10 significantly less spread (%) of the disease, thereby indicating improved control of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in potato. Particularly, the results show that the present fungicidal combinations of a) Mandipropamid and Propamocarb hydrochloride were able to significantly reduce the disease on leaf surface after 23 and 30 days of application, indicating that said combination provide significantly improved % control vis-a-vis individual fungicides such as 15 Mandipropamid alone. Example 2: Field Trial efficacy data Trials were performed to evaluate the fungicidal efficacy of the present combinations: a) mandipropamid + propamocarb hydrochloride, on late blight in Solanum tuberosum (potato) compared to mandipropamid and propamocarb hydrochloride alone. Table 2: Results of treatment of potatoes with mandipropamid + propamocarb hydrochloride 25 07 25 Sr no. Treatment Application Rate (g a.i. / Ha) % control 6 dAA 1 Untreated - 2 Mandipropamid 150 72.8 3 Propamocarb hydrochloride 1000 3.8 4 Mandipropamid 150 80 Propamocarb hydrochloride 1000 Note:- dAA stands for “days after application”.

[00132] The above results demonstrate that as compared to Mandipropamid and propamocarb hydrochloride alone, the present combination of a) Mandipropamid and Propamocarb hydrochloride exhibits significant % control of the disease, thereby indicating 10 improved control of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in potato. Particularly, the results show that the present fungicidal combinations of a) Mandipropamid and Propamocarb hydrochloride were able to significantly control the disease on leaf surface after 6 days of application, indicating that said combination provide significantly improved % control vis-a-vis individual fungicides such as Mandipropamid and propamocarb hydrochloride alone. 15

[00133] Example 3: Mandipropamid 75 + Propamocarb hydrochloride 500 SC Table 3 SR. NO. INGREDIENTS AMOUNT GMS / LIT % 1 Propamocarb hydrochloride 500 / 46.12 2 Mandipropamid 98% tech 76.53 / 7.06 3 Mixture containing 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one 0.75 / 0.07 4 Xanthan gum 2.65 / 0.24 5 Aqueous emulsion of Polyorganosiloxanes 1.5 / 0.14 6 Aqueous emulsion of Polyorganosiloxanes 2.5 / 0.23 7 Propane 1,2-diol 34.82 / 3.21 8 Sodium aluminium silicate 0.9 / 0.08 9 Alkylated naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde sodium salt 5.98 / 0.55 10 Magnesium aluminium silicate 5 / 0.46 11 Water QS The above mentioned formulation was prepared by first formulating mandipropamid suspension followed by addition of mandipropamid suspension to Propamocarb hydrochloride 5 suspension. Required amount of water was charged in a vessel. Alkylated naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde sodium salt, l,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, Propylene glycol, sodium bentonite, aqueous emulsion of polyorganosiloxanes and finally mandipropamid were added to the water under stirring to form a homogenous slurry. The slurry was wet ground in a bead mill to a 10 required particle size. To the milled slurry xanthum gum with Propylene glycol were added under high shear to obtain homogenous mandipropamid suspension. In a separate vessel Propamocarb hydrochloride was charged under stirring, mandipropamid suspension was added to the vessel under low agitation to homogenise the mixture of mandipropamid and Propamocarb hydrochloride. Once the mixture is homogenized aqueous 15 emulsion of Polyorganosiloxanes and Magnesium aluminium silicate were added. A premix of xanthan gum with propylene glycol was added to the mixture and it was homogenized to obtain a homogenous suspension. ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[00134] The present fungicidal combination and fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops, preferably potato (Solatium tuberosum), that demonstrates enhanced antifungal efficacy, reduced toxicity, reduced use rates, lesser damage to the environment.

[00135] The methods employed by the present disclosure indicate sustained and effective control and treatment of fungal disease in crops, preferably late blight in potato (Solarium tuberosum).

[00136] The methods employed by the present disclosure further result in enhancing crop yield and improving crop health, preferably in potato (Solarium tuberosum) susceptible to late blight caused by Phytophthora spp.

[00137] 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; 5 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. 25 07 25

Claims

25 07 251. A method of controlling or preventing growth of late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans in crops of Solanum spp., said method comprising 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. mandipropamid; andb. propamocarb or salts thereof.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crop is Solanum tuberosum.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein mandipropamid and propamocarb or salts thereof are combined in a ratio of 1:10 to 10:1.

4. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein mandipropamid is applied at a rate in the range from 50 to 500 g a.i. / ha.

5. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein propamocarb or the salt thereof is applied at a rate in the range from 100 to 2000 g a.i. / ha.

6. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein mandipropamid is applied at a rate in the range from 100 to 400 g a.i. / ha and propamocarb or the salt thereof is applied at a rate in the range from 200 to 1500 g a.i. / ha.

7. The method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the propamocarb or salt thereof is propamocarb hydrochloride.

8. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crops, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal composition comprising:a. mandipropamid;b. propamocarb or salts thereof; andc. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.25 07 259. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the agriculturally acceptable excipients are selected from dispersing agents, antifoaming agents, anti-freezing agents, thickeners or a combination thereof.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the composition comprises mandipropamid at an amount in the range from 1 % w / w to 10 % w / w of the composition.

11. The method as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the composition comprises propamocarb or salts thereof at an amount from 20 %w / w to 80% w / w of the composition.

12. The method as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the composition comprises agriculturally acceptable excipient at an amount from 1% w / w to 90% w / w of the composition.

13. Use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for preventing late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans in potato (Solarium tuberosum), wherein said fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition comprises:a. mandipropamid, andb. propamocarb or salts thereof.