High temperature stable pesticide composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising: a. at least one agrochemically active compound; b. at least one pigment in a w / w (weight / weight) concentration of at least 2% based on the total weight of the composition; and c. at least one non-ionic surfactant selected from each of acrylic graft polymers, poloxamers and butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymers. Preferably, at least the active compound is a nematicide, more preferably cyclobutrifluram.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a formulation of an active compound comprising a nematicide, a pigment and a non-ionic surfactant. [Background technology]

[0002] Agrochemical compositions (i.e. pesticides) containing one or more active compounds are generally provided to end users, e.g. farmers, in so-called optimized premix formulations. The premix formulations are diluted and mixed by the end user with water and optionally other compounds immediately before application to crops to obtain an effective pesticidal composition. The premix formulations contain high concentrations of pesticides and other formulation compounds, maintain the stability of the pesticides, and provide the end user with optimal dilution and mixing conditions for subsequent use.

[0003] Premix formulations offer the advantages of higher concentrations of pesticide, cost advantages including reduced shipping, storage and packaging costs, and application advantages including smaller amounts of pesticide handled by the end user.

[0004] Active compounds from the four-membered ring carboxamides described in WO2013143811 and WO20155003951, such as cyclobutrifluram, are highly effective nematicides and at the same time provide excellent fungicidal properties. Such compounds are suitable for incorporation into premix formulations.

[0005] The premix formulation may also contain colorants such as pigments. When the pigment concentration is high, the stability of the formulation at high temperatures (e.g., at least 40° C.) is often an issue. At high temperatures, severe thickening and settling occurs, which is detrimental to the overall stability of the formulation and its pesticide. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present application aims to provide formulations for active compounds from four-membered ring carboxamides containing high concentrations of pigments, which have advantageous properties such as high stability at high temperatures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided an agrochemical composition comprising: a. at least one pesticidal active compound; b. at least one pigment in a w / w (weight / weight) concentration of at least 2% based on the total weight of the composition; c. at least one nonionic surfactant selected from each of an acrylic graft polymer, a poloxamer, and a butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer; A pesticide composition comprising: DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The applicants have surprisingly found that the agrochemical compositions according to this aspect of the present invention exhibit high stability at high temperatures.This increased stability extends the shelf life of such compositions while effectively controlling plant pests such as insects, fungi and nematodes.The agrochemical compositions according to this aspect of the present invention advantageously exhibit low thickening and settling at high temperatures, while also not exhibiting any adverse increase or decrease in viscosity.

[0009] Thus, the present invention provides an agrochemical composition comprising: a. at least one pesticidal active compound; b. at least one pigment in a w / w (weight / weight) concentration of at least 2% based on the total weight of the composition; c. at least one nonionic surfactant selected from each of an acrylic graft polymer, a poloxamer, and a butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer; The present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising:

[0010] Active compounds from the four-membered ring carboxamides described in WO2013143811 and WO20155003951, such as cyclobutrifluram, are highly effective nematicides and at the same time also offer excellent fungicidal properties.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one pesticidally active compound according to the present invention is a nematicide, more preferably cyclobutrifluram.

[0012] Cyclobutrifluram is a nematicide with fungicidal properties used in crop treatment. Its IUPAC name is N-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)-pyridine-3-carboxamide. It is usually used as a mixture of isomers containing 80-100% of the (1S,2S)-enantiomer and 20-0% of the (1R,2R)-enantiomer. The molecular structure is C 17 H 13 Cl2F3N2O. Its mechanism of action is proposed to be inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex II.

[0013] Preferably, the at least one pigment according to the present invention is present in a w / w concentration of at least 3%, more preferably at least 4%, even more preferably at least 5%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one pigment according to the present invention is present in a w / w concentration of 2% to 30% based on the total weight of the composition, more preferably in a concentration of 3% to 28%, even more preferably in a concentration of 4% to 24%, and most preferably in a concentration of 5% to 20%.

[0015] Suitable colorants may be dye or pigment colorants. Suitable dyes include anthraquinone, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine and its derivatives, and diazonium salts. The colorant may include pigments such as Pigment Red 112 (CAS No. 6535-46-2), Pigment Red 2 (CAS No. 6041-94-7), Pigment Red 48:2 (CAS No. 7023-61-2), Pigment Blue 15:3 (CAS No. 147-14-8), Pigment Green 36 (CAS No. 14302-13-7), Pigment Green 7 (CAS No. 1328-53-6), Pigment Yellow 74 (CAS No. 6358-31-2), Pigment Orange 5 (CAS No. 3468-63-1), Pigment Violet 23 (CAS No. 6358-30-1), Pigment Black 7 (CAS No. 97793-37-8) and Pigment White 6 (CAS No. 98084-96-9). The colorant may be present in the seed coating composition of the present invention in an amount of 0 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the coating composition. Preferably, the at least one pigment according to the present invention is an organic pigment, preferably a monoazo pigment, more preferably Pigment Red 48, Pigment Red 52, Pigment Red 57 and metal salts thereof, more preferably Pigment Red 48:1, represented by the chemical formula C 18 H 11 The pigment is selected from the list consisting of monoazo calcium salts having CaClN2O6S (CAS: 7023-61-2).

[0016] The organic pigment may be suitably selected from Agrocer Red 112 dispersion, Agrocer Red 482 powder and / or Sunsperse Red 48:2. Agrocer Red 112 dispersion is an aqueous monoazo pigment dispersion commercially available from Clariant. It contains approximately 40% by weight of red monoazo dye, 40% by weight of water, 10% by weight of glycerol and 8% by weight of other ingredients. Agrocer Red 482 is a powdered red monoazo organic pigment. Sunsperse Red 48:2 is a red monoazo organic pigment commercially available from Sun Chemicals.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one pesticidally active compound according to the present invention is present in a w / w concentration of from 1% to 80% based on the total weight of the composition, more preferably in a concentration of from 10% to 45%, even more preferably in a concentration of from 20% to 40%, and most preferably in a concentration of from 35% to 38%.

[0018] Preferably, the composition according to the invention comprises: d. at least one other active fungicide compound. and preferably the at least one other fungicide is a diaxolane, a benzodioxole and / or an acylalanine, preferably difenoconazole, metalaxyl and / or fludioxonil.

[0019] Preferably, the acrylic grafted polymer according to the present invention has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value greater than 6, preferably greater than 8, more preferably greater than 10.

[0020] Preferably, the poloxamers according to the invention have an HLB value of less than 9, preferably less than 6, more preferably less than 3.

[0021] Preferably, the butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymers according to the present invention have an HLB value greater than 6, preferably greater than 8, more preferably greater than 10.

[0022] Preferably, the acrylic grafted polymer according to the present invention is present in a w / w concentration of 0.1% to 10%, more preferably 0.2% to 5%, even more preferably 1% to 3%, and most preferably 1% to 2.5% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0023] Preferably, the poloxamer according to the present invention is present in a w / w concentration of 0.1% to 10%, more preferably 0.2% to 5%, even more preferably 1% to 3%, and most preferably 1.5% to 2.5% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0024] Preferably, the butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer according to the present invention is present in a w / w concentration of from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.2% to 5%, even more preferably from 1% to 3%, and most preferably from 1.5% to 3.5%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0025] In the context of this disclosure, the following terms are defined as follows.

[0026] "Pesticidal activity" is understood to mean effective in controlling nematodes, insects, acarid pests and / or fungal pathogens of agricultural crops.

[0027] "Fungi" should be understood to include all species of fungi and all fungus-like organisms, such as oomycetes.

[0028] The polyalkylene oxide block copolymers can be di- and tri-block copolymers, such as ABA or BAB block copolymers or BA block copolymers. Examples of polyalkylene oxide block copolymers are poloxamers and butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymers.

[0029] Poloxamers are non-ionic triblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic chain of polyoxypropylene (poly(propylene oxide)) flanked by two hydrophilic chains of polyoxyethylene (poly(ethylene oxide)).

[0030] Pluronic® L121 (BASF; CAS:9003-11-6) is a preferred poloxamer. It is a bifunctional block copolymer surfactant terminated with primary hydroxyl groups. It contains poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) polymers [PEG-PPG-PEG polymers]. It has an HLB value of 1-2.

[0031] Butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymers are diblock copolymers composed of butyl polyoxyethylene (poly(ethylene oxide)) / polyoxypropylene (poly(ethylene oxide)).

[0032] Toximul® 8320 (Stepan Chemical Co.; CAS Number: 9038-95-3) is a preferred butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer having an average molecular weight in the range of 2400 to 3500. It has an HLB value of 12.

[0033] Altox 4913 (Croda; CAS number: 119724-54-8) is a preferred acrylic graft polymer. It is a solution (water and glycol) of a comb graft copolymer containing 36.6% methyl methacrylate, 1.9% methacrylic acid, both grafted with methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) 750, methacrylate (61.5%). Altox 4913 has an HLB value of about 12.

[0034] The agrochemical composition according to the invention comprises at least one acrylic graft polymer, which is part of a larger group of graft polymer surfactants that are segmented copolymers having a complex linear backbone of one type and complex randomly distributed branches of another type.

[0035] The graft polymer surfactant may be a graft copolymer surfactant. A graft copolymer is a branched copolymer in which the components of the side chain are structurally different from the components of the main chain. In this specification, the term "graft copolymer" in relation to surfactants is used to refer to a polymer similar to a comb structure, having a backbone polymer chain to which different polymer chains are attached, which may be the same or different in nature and length. A comb-type graft polymer may have a backbone chain of a polymer, such as a (meth)acrylic polymer or copolymer, to which a polyoxyalkylated side group, such as a polyoxyethylene group, is attached. A graft copolymer is a material having a polymer chain of one chemical composition branched from a polymer backbone of a different chemical composition. A graft copolymer surfactant may have a polymer backbone and a polyether group attached to the polymer backbone. Graft copolymers that can be used according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, graft copolymers having at least one backbone polymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylate, methacrylate, or methyl methacrylate, with a chain of another polymer, such as a polyether, such as polyethylene glycol, extending from the polymer backbone, as a non-limiting example.

[0036] Graft copolymer surfactants having a polymer backbone formed from polymers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylate, methacrylate or methyl methacrylate polymers are referred to as "acrylic graft copolymers" or "acrylic graft polymers". In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the graft polymer surfactants used in the composition can be described as graft copolymer surfactants having a polymer backbone formed from polymers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylate, methacrylate or methyl methacrylate polymers and copolymers, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) branches extending from the backbone. In a two-dimensional representation, the PEG branches are depicted perpendicular to the acrylate polymer backbone (usually linear) and resemble the teeth of a comb. This type of graft copolymer is sometimes referred to as a "comb graft polymer".

[0037] Suitable graft copolymer surfactants include, but are not limited to, nonionic polyacrylate graft copolymers such as Dispersogen PSL 100 from Clariant, modified polyacrylic acids such as Sokolan CP N40 from BASF, acrylic copolymers or acrylic graft polymers such as Atlox 4913 and Zephyrm PD3315 from Croda, Tersperse 2500 from Huntsman, acrylic polymers such as Emulson AGTRN 14105, Emulson AG TP1 and Emulson AG RHS from Lamberti and / or graft copolymers such as Ethacryl P (35-45% comb graft copolymer solution from Lyondell Chemical Co.) and / or AGNIQUE CP-72L.

[0038] Tersperse 2500 is a comb graft copolymer solution (approximately 35% polymer by weight) commercially available from Huntsman Corporation. Ethacryl P is a 35-45% comb graft copolymer solution commercially available from Lyondell Chemical Company. The CAS number for Tersperse 2500 is 111740-364.

[0039] Altox 4913 is a solution (water and glycol) of a comb graft copolymer containing 36.6% methyl methacrylate, 1.9% methacrylic acid, both grafted with methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) 750, methacrylate (61.5%), and is commercially available from Croda. Altox 4913 has an HLB value of about 12. The CAS number for Altox 3913 is 119724-54-8.

[0040] Preferably, the graft copolymer or acrylic graft polymer surfactant has an HLB number in the range of about 10 to about 16, more preferably an HLB number in the range of about 10 to about 13.

[0041] The acrylic graft copolymer or polymer according to the present invention is preferably present in the range of 0.5 to 3.0% by weight based on the weight of the total composition, more preferably in the range of 1.0 to 2.5% by weight, even more preferably in the range of 1.25 to 2.25% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 1.50 to 2.00% by weight based on the weight of the total composition.

[0042] Preferably, the agrochemical composition according to the invention further comprises an organic (co)solvent, which may suitably be selected from aromatic solvents such as benzene, toluene, xylene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic solvents such as fluorobenzene or chlorobenzene, chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins such as mineral oil, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, butanol or glycols as well as ethers, esters, ketones such as acetone and / or dimethylsulfoxide.

[0043] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the present invention comprises 2 to 14% by weight of organic (co)solvent, more preferably 4.0 to 12.0% by weight, even more preferably 6.0 to 10.0% by weight, and most preferably 7.0 to 9.0% by weight of organic (co)solvent, based on the total weight of the pesticide composition.

[0044] More preferably, the agrochemical composition according to the present invention further comprises an organic (co)solvent, the organic (co)solvent being one or more oils. The oil may be suitably selected from any organic oil or combination of organic oils. More preferably, the oil is selected from non-epoxidized or epoxidized, hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated and / or fully hydrogenated vegetable oils (e.g., epoxidized coconut oil, canola oil or soybean oil). Most preferably, the oil is selected from any combination of palm oil, canola oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, soybean oil and / or castor oil.

[0045] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the present invention contains 2 to 14% by weight of oil, more preferably 4.0 to 12.0% by weight, even more preferably 6.0 to 10.0% by weight, and most preferably 7.0 to 9.0% by weight of oil, based on the total weight of the pesticide composition.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the agrochemical composition according to the invention further comprises an antifreeze agent, which may suitably be selected from propylene glycol and / or glycerin.

[0047] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the present invention contains 0.1 to 14% by weight of the antifreeze agent, more preferably 2.0 to 12.0% by weight, even more preferably 4.0 to 10.0% by weight, and most preferably 6.0 to 8.0% by weight of the antifreeze agent, based on the total weight of the pesticide composition.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the pesticide composition according to the invention further comprises a dispersant package, which may optionally comprise methylcellulose, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol).

[0049] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the present invention comprises 1 to 7% by weight of the dispersant package, more preferably 2.0 to 6.0% by weight, even more preferably 3.0 to 5.0% by weight, and most preferably 3.5 to 4.5% by weight of the dispersant package, based on the total weight of the pesticide composition.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the agrochemical composition according to the invention further comprises a wetting agent. Wetting agents are surface active molecules used to reduce the surface tension of water. Suitably, the wetting agent may advantageously comprise at least one polymer from water-soluble and water-dispersible film-forming polymers, more preferably having an average molecular weight of at least 10,000 to about 100,000. Such wetting agents advantageously improve the adhesion of the active ingredient to the treated plant propagation material.Commercially available wetting agents include Agnique® LVA (BASF), Agnique® PG 8105 (C8-10 alkyl polyglycoside (DP=1.5) approx. 65% active content, BASF), Agnique® PG 8107 (C8-10 alkyl polyglycoside (DP=1.7) approx. 70% active content, BASF), Agnique® PG 9116 (C9-11 alkyl polyglycoside (DP=1.6), BASF), Agnique® SLES 220 / 227 / 370 (alkyl ether sulfate, BASF), Agnique® SLES 28 RI (alkyl ether sulfate C12-14, sodium salt, BASF), Disponol SUS IC 875 (sulfosuccinate, BASF), Emulan® LVA (alcohol polyglycol ether, BASF), Emulan® TXI (alcohol polyglycol ether, BASF), Lutensol® TO 8 (ethoxylated C13 oxo alcohol (POE8), BASF), Lutensol XL 40 / 50 / 60 / 70 / 79 / 80 / 89 / 90 (alkyl polypropylene and ethylene glycol ether made from C10-Guerbet alcohols and ethylene oxide, BASF), Lutensol XP 30 / 40 / 50 / 60 / 69 / 70 / 79 / 80 / 89 / 99 / 100 (alkyl polyethylene glycol ether based on C10-Guerbet alcohols and ethylene oxide, BASF), Morwet® D-425 Powder / Liquid (naphthalenesulfonate condensate, sodium salt, Nouryon), Plurafac® LF (fatty alcohol alkoxylate, BASF), Tamol® DN (phenolsulfonic acid condensate, Na salt, BASF), Tamol® FB P1 / NN 8906 (naphthalenesulfonic acid condensate, Na salt, BASF) and tetramethyldecynediol.

[0051] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the present invention contains 0.05 to 1.00% by weight of wetting agent, more preferably 0.10 to 0.90% by weight, even more preferably 0.25 to 0.75% by weight, and most preferably 0.40 to 0.60% by weight of wetting agent, based on the total weight of the pesticide composition.

[0052] Preferably, the agrochemical composition according to the invention further comprises an inorganic carrier. Suitable inorganic carriers may be selected from any of the ground inorganic materials such as alumina, attapulgite, clay, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, montmorillonite, quartz, silica, silicates and / or talc.

[0053] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the present invention contains 0.05 to 1.00% by weight of inorganic carrier, more preferably 0.10 to 0.75% by weight, even more preferably 0.20 to 0.50% by weight, and most preferably 0.30 to 0.40% by weight of inorganic clay.

[0054] Preferably, the agrochemical composition according to the present invention further comprises a rheology modifier.

[0055] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the invention further comprises a preservative.

[0056] Preferably, the agrochemical composition according to the invention further comprises a buffering agent. Suitable buffering agents include sodium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid and / or nitric acid.

[0057] The pesticide composition according to the present invention preferably has a pH in the range of 5 to 9, more preferably in the range of 5.5 to 8.5, even more preferably in the range of 5.7 to 8.0, and most preferably in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.

[0058] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the invention further comprises an antifoaming agent.

[0059] The compositions may further include fertilizers, micronutrient donors or other preparations that affect plant growth, and may include combinations containing a compound of the present invention together with one or more other biologically active agents, such as bactericides, fungicides, nematicides, plant activators, acaricides and insecticides.

[0060] Preferably, the pesticide composition according to the invention does not gel.

[0061] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a tank mix of a field composition comprising an agrochemical composition according to the present invention and a diluent, preferably a liquid, more preferably a liquid comprising water.

[0062] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling or reducing pests, optionally fungi and / or nematodes, in plants, comprising applying a composition according to the invention to the plant or its habitat.

[0063] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling or preventing pathogenic or pest damage in plant propagation material, plants, plant parts and / or later developing plant organs, comprising simultaneously applying a composition according to the present invention to the plant, plant part, plant organ, plant propagation material or its surroundings.

[0064] Preferably, the plant propagation material according to the present invention is a seed.

[0065] A further aspect of the invention relates to plant propagation material treated with a composition according to the invention.

[0066] Preferably, the plant propagation material according to the present invention is a seed.

[0067] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a composition according to the invention for controlling or reducing fungal and / or nematode infestations in plants or crops.

[0068] Embodiments according to the present invention are provided as follows.

[0069] Embodiment 1 is an agrochemical composition comprising: a. at least one pesticidal active compound; b. at least one pigment in a w / w (weight / weight) concentration of at least 2% based on the total weight of the composition; c. at least one nonionic surfactant selected from each of an acrylic graft polymer, a poloxamer, and a butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer; The present invention provides an agrochemical composition comprising:

[0070] Embodiment 2 provides an agrochemical composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one pesticidally active compound comprises or is a nematicide.

[0071] Embodiment 3 provides an agrochemical composition according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the nematicide comprises or is cyclobutrifluram.

[0072] Embodiment 4 provides an agrochemical composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one pigment is present in a w / w concentration of from 2% to 30%, more preferably from 3% to 28%, even more preferably from 4% to 24%, and most preferably from 5% to 20%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0073] Embodiment 5 provides an agrochemical composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the at least one agrochemically active compound is present in a w / w concentration of from 1% to 80%, more preferably from 10% to 45%, even more preferably from 20% to 40%, and most preferably from 35% to 38% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0074] Embodiment 6 is a pigment composition comprising at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of organic pigments, preferably monoazo pigments, more preferably Pigment Red 48, Pigment Red 52, Pigment Red 57 and metal salts thereof, most preferably Pigment Red 48:1, represented by the chemical formula C 18 H 11 CaClN2O6 S6. The agrochemical composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the pigment is selected from the list consisting of monoazo calcium salts having CAS: 7023-61-2.

[0075] In embodiment 7, d. at least one other active fungicide compound. and preferably wherein the at least one other fungicide is a diaxolane, a benzodioxole and / or an acylalanine, preferably difenoconazole, metalaxyl and / or fludioxonil.

[0076] Embodiment 8 provides the pesticide composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the at least one pesticide active compound is cyclobutrifluram.

[0077] Embodiment 9 provides the agrochemical composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the acrylic grafted polymer has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value greater than 6, preferably greater than 8, more preferably greater than 10, the poloxamer has an HLB value less than 9, preferably less than 6, more preferably less than 3, and / or the butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer has an HLB value greater than 6, preferably greater than 8, more preferably greater than 10.

[0078] Embodiment 10 provides an agrochemical composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the acrylic grafted polymer is present in a w / w concentration of from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.2% to 5%, even more preferably from 1% to 3%, and most preferably from 1% to 2.5%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0079] Embodiment 11 provides an agrochemical composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the poloxamer is present in a w / w concentration of from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.2% to 5%, even more preferably from 1% to 3%, and most preferably from 1.5% to 2.5% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0080] Embodiment 12 provides an agrochemical composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer is present in a w / w concentration of from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.2% to 5%, even more preferably from 1% to 3%, and most preferably from 1.5% to 3.5%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0081] Embodiment 13 provides a tank mix of a field composition comprising the agrochemical composition of any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and a diluent, preferably a liquid, more preferably a liquid comprising water.

[0082] Embodiment 14 provides a method for controlling or reducing pests, optionally fungi and / or nematodes, in a plant comprising applying a composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 to the plant or its habitat.

[0083] Embodiment 15 provides a method for controlling or preventing pathogenic or pest damage in plant propagation material, plants, plant parts and / or plant organs developing at a later time, comprising simultaneously applying a composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 to the plant, plant part, plant organ, plant propagation material or its surroundings.

[0084] Embodiment 16 provides a plant propagation material treated with a composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.

[0085] Embodiment 17 provides a method according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the plant propagation material is a seed.

[0086] Embodiment 18 provides the use of a composition according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 for controlling or reducing fungal and / or nematode infestations in plants or crops.

[0087] In one preferred group of pesticidal compositions according to the invention, the composition comprises a. 1-50% by weight of cyclobutrifluram based on the total weight of the composition, preferably in ascending order of 2-48% by weight, 5-45% by weight, 10-40% by weight, 15-35% by weight, 20-30% by weight, and most preferably 22-28% by weight of cyclobutrifluram based on the total weight of the composition; b. 0 to 50% by weight of a pigment based on the total weight of the composition; c. 0 to 25% by weight of an acrylic graft polymer based on the total weight of the composition; d. 0-10% by weight of a poloxamer based on the total weight of the composition; e. 0 to 10 wt. % of a butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer based on the total weight of the composition; Includes.

[0088] In one preferred group of pesticidal compositions according to the invention, the composition comprises a. 1 to 15% by weight of cyclobutrifluram based on the total weight of the composition; b. 0.1 to 15% by weight of a pigment based on the total weight of the composition; c. 0.1 to 5% by weight of an acrylic graft polymer based on the total weight of the composition; d. 0.1 to 5% by weight of a poloxamer based on the total weight of the composition; e. 0.1 to 15 wt. % of a butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer based on the total weight of the composition; Includes.

[0089] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to" and are not intended to exclude (and do not exclude) other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular includes the plural, unless the context dictates otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification is understood to contemplate the singular as well as the plural, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0090] It is understood that features, integers, properties, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are also applicable to other aspects, embodiments or examples described herein, to the extent compatible therewith. All of the features disclosed herein (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of features disclosed herein (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) or any novel one or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0091] In each aspect and embodiment of the present invention, "consisting essentially of" and variations thereof are to be understood as preferred embodiments of "comprising" and variations thereof, and "consisting of" and variations thereof are to be understood as preferred embodiments of "consisting essentially of" and variations thereof.

[0092] The reader's attention is directed to all articles and documents related to this application, filed contemporaneously herewith or prior to this application, and which are hereby in the public domain, and the contents of all such articles and documents are hereby incorporated by reference. EXAMPLES

[0093] Example 1 - Preparation of Sample B and Comparative Samples C, D, E, F and G A composition according to the invention (Sample B) was compared to comparative compositions (Samples C, D, E, F and G). The compositions comprise the components in weight percentages outlined below in Table 1. The compositions were prepared by mixing the components listed.

[0094] [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2]

[0095] The first active ingredient in both samples is cyclobutrifluram and the second active ingredients in both samples are fludioxonil, difenoconazole and metalaxyl-M. The second active ingredients are commercially available.

[0096] The lignosulfonate used in the sample formulations was a commercially available lignosulfate.

[0097] The first non-ionic surfactant was either Atlox™ 4913 (in accordance with the invention) or Atlox™ 4914 (comparison). Atlox™ 4913 is a commonly used non-ionic surfactant available from Croda Crop Care. It is an acrylic graft copolymer solution with an HLB value of 12. Atlox™ 4914 is a commonly used non-ionic surfactant available from Croda Crop Care. It is a non-ionic random polymer with an HLB value of 6.

[0098] The second nonionic surfactant used was TOXIMUL® 8320, a commonly used nonionic surfactant available from Stepan. TOXIMUL® 8320 is a butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. It has an HLB value of 12.

[0099] The antifreeze used was a conventional commercial antifreeze.

[0100] Conventional dispersants and wetting agents were used as disclosed in McCutcheon's, vol. 1, "Emulsifiers and Detergents," MC Publishing Company, Glen Rock, NJ, USA, 1996. Additional inactive ingredients useful in the present invention are described in McCutcheon's, vol. 2, "Functional Materials," MC Publishing Company, Glen Rock, NJ, USA, 1996.

[0101] The pigment dispersion used was the commonly used pigment Sunsperse Red 48:2 [Code RPD-0048], which was commercially obtained from Sun Chemical Corporation. It is a monoazo calcium salt with the chemical formula CHCaClNOS, CAS: 7023-61-2.

[0102] The rheology modifier used was Rhodopol 23, available from Solvay.

[0103] The pH of the composition was adjusted to 6-7 by adding appropriate amounts of the buffering agents sodium hydroxide and phosphoric acid.

[0104] Pluronic® L121 is a commonly used nonionic surfactant, commercially available from BASF. Pluronic® L121 is a difunctional block copolymer surfactant terminated with primary hydroxyl groups (CAS:9003-11-6). It contains poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) polymer [PEG-PPG-PEG polymer]. It has an HLB value of 1-2.

[0105] Example 2 - Analysis of Sample B and Comparative Samples C, D, E, F and G The compositions were evaluated for the parameters pH, viscosity and particle size at different time points after preparation and while being subjected to different conditions. Each composition was analyzed after preparation (initial), after 1 week under shaking conditions at 38° C., after 2 weeks under static conditions at room temperature (RT), 38° C. or 50° C., and after being subjected to daily Basel Freeze-Thaw (BFT) temperature cycles from 50° C. to −10° C. for 2 weeks.

[0106] The BFT temperature cycle is a measure for the stability of a composition and includes accelerated stability test conditions. The BFT accelerated test conditions involve first heating the sample to 50°C, then thermally cycling from 50°C to -10°C over a 24-hour period, then back to 50°C. This daily thermal cycle is repeated for 14 days. At the end of the 14 days under the accelerated stability test conditions, the sample is cooled to 20°C.

[0107] At the end of the other test conditions the samples were also cooled to 20°C.

[0108] The cooled samples were then analyzed by dynamic light scattering using a Malvern 300 Particle Size Analyzer using Universal Seedcare Method 1.0 based on CIPAC MT 187. The rheological properties of the samples were also analyzed using a Brookfield LVDV-I Prime using a #2 spindle at 30 RPM based on ASTM D 2196 at 30 revolutions per minute (rpm). The pH of the samples was also determined. The results are summarized in Table 2 below.

[0109] [Table 2-1] [Table 2-2]

[0110] "n / a" indicates no data available. Results marked with an asterisk indicate suboptimal values.

[0111] There are problems with viscosity fluctuations and particle size increase for all samples C, D, E, F and G. Severe thickening and settling of compositions C, D, E, F and G occurs at high temperatures, which is detrimental to the overall stability of the formulation and its pesticide.

[0112] Sample B, which contains the composition according to the invention, has improved properties in terms of viscosity variation and particle size as well as thickening and settling after 2 weeks at 50° C. when compared to comparative samples C, D, E, F and G. The same is true, although to a lesser extent, for the BFT experimental conditions.

[0113] A smaller particle size value indicates a better composition. Preferably, D[4,3] is less than 8 μm, more preferably less than 7 μm, and even more preferably less than 6 μm. Preferably, D(v,0.95) is less than 25 μm, more preferably less than 20 μm, and even more preferably less than 15 μm.

[0114] Preferably, the viscosity is 400 to 700 cps. Furthermore, the difference between the initial viscosity and the viscosity after 1 to 2 weeks is preferably less than 100 cps, which indicates that the composition has a stable viscosity.

[0115] From the results in Table 2, it is observed that after 2 weeks at 50°C, sample B containing the composition according to the invention has a much smaller average diameter (3.7 μm) on the volume D[3,4] compared to the comparative samples (10.1, 6.2, 8.5, 7.0, 11.1 μm). The median value of the volume distribution D[v,0.5] was also advantageously lower for sample B (3.1 μm) compared to the comparative samples (8.6, 4.6, 5.7, 3.8, 8.2 μm). 95% of the particles of sample B were smaller than 8.5 μm (D[v,0.95]), compared to much larger values ​​for the comparative samples, where 95% of the particles were smaller than 25.5, 17.4, 24.6, 24.0 or 30.5 μm.

[0116] The results show that the combination of Toximul 8320, a high HLB ethylene oxide / propylene oxide (EO / PO) block copolymer, Pluronic L121, a low HLB EO / PO block copolymer, and Atlox 4913, an acrylic graft copolymer, dramatically improves the physical stability of the pesticide composition at high temperatures.

Claims

1. 1. A pesticide composition comprising: a. at least one pesticidal active compound; b. at least one pigment in a concentration of at least 2% w / w (weight / weight) based on the total weight of the composition; c. at least one nonionic surfactant selected from each of an acrylic graft polymer, a poloxamer, and a butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer; 1. A pesticide composition comprising:

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one active compound is a nematicide.

3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the nematicide is cyclobutrifluram.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one pigment is present in a w / w concentration of from 2% to 30% based on the total weight of the composition.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein said at least one pesticidally active compound is present in a w / w concentration of from 1% to 80% based on the total weight of the composition.

6. The composition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one pigment is an organic pigment.

7. The organic pigment has the chemical formula C 18 H 11 CaClN 2 O 6 The composition of claim 6, which is a monoazo calcium salt having the formula: S, CAS: 7023-61-.

8. d. at least one other active fungicide compound selected from the group consisting of diaxolane, benzodioxole, acylalanine, difenoconazole, metalaxyl and fludioxonil The composition of claim 1 further comprising:

9. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the acrylic grafted polymer has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value greater than 6.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the acrylic grafted polymer is present in a w / w concentration of 0.1% to 10% based on the total weight of the composition.

11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the poloxamer is present in a w / w concentration of from 0.1% to 10% based on the total weight of the composition.

12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyl polyalkylene oxide block copolymer is present in a w / w concentration of 0.1% to 10% based on the total weight of the composition.

13. 10. A tank mix of a field composition comprising the pesticide composition of claim 1 and a diluent.

14. 13. A method for controlling or reducing pests, optionally fungi and / or nematodes, in plants, comprising applying a composition according to claim 1 to the plant or its habitat.

15. A method for controlling or preventing pathogenic or pest damage in plant propagation material, plants, plant parts and / or plant organs growing at a later time, comprising simultaneously applying a composition according to claim 1 to said plant, said plant part, plant organ, plant propagation material or its surroundings.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plant propagation material is a seed.

17. 10. Plant propagation material treated with the composition of claim 1.

18. 13. Use of the composition according to claim 1 for controlling or reducing fungal and / or nematode infestations in plants or crops.

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