Storage-stable glufosinate formulations

Abstract

The present invention relates to glufosinate-containing formulations that have good low-temperature stability, the use of 1-methoxy-2-propanol to improve the low-temperature stability of formulations containing glufosinate, and a method for selectively controlling weeds in an area, which method comprises applying an effective amount of the formulation of the invention.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to glufosinate-containing formulations that have good low-temperature stability, the use of 1-methoxy-2-propanol to improve the low-temperature stability of formulations containing glufosinate, and a method for selectively controlling weeds in an area, which method comprises applying an effective amount of the formulation of the invention. [Background technology]

[0002] The herbicide glufosinate is a non-selective foliar herbicide and is considered one of the safest herbicides from a toxicological and environmental protection standpoint. L-glufosinate (also known as phosphinothricin or (S)-2-amino-4-(hydroxy(methyl)phosphonoyl)butanoic acid) is known to be more effective than D-glufosinate (Ruhland et al. (2002) Environ. Biosafety Res. 1:29-37).

[0003] Herbicides are needed worldwide. Herbicide formulations may need to be stored under various conditions, such as in unheated warehouses. Therefore, there is a need for herbicide formulations that are stable at relatively low temperatures. In the case of glufosinate-containing formulations, low-temperature stable formulations are already available, but their biological efficacy is reduced (e.g., WO 2007092351).

[0004] Therefore, herbicide formulations containing L-glufosinate that have sufficient low temperature stability are of particular interest. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In light of this background, an object of the present invention is to provide a glufosinate-containing formulation, particularly an L-glufosinate-containing formulation, that has sufficient low-temperature stability.A further object of the present invention is to provide a glufosinate-containing formulation that has sufficient low-temperature stability and sufficient biological effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Surprisingly, the inventors have found that certain claimed herbicide formulations can achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objectives. In particular, the inventors have found that certain glufosinate-containing formulations exhibit sufficient low-temperature stability.

[0007] The present invention relates to a formulation, each of which contains, based on the total weight of the formulation: 8.0 to 50.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 50.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0008] In particular, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 12.0 to 50.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0009] As used herein, the term "glufosinate" can refer to L-glufosinate, D-glufosinate, or a mixture of L- and D-glufosinate, e.g., a racemic mixture of L- and D-glufosinate.

[0010] When the glufosinate or a salt thereof is a racemic mixture of L- and D-glufosinate, it is preferably present in the formulation in an amount of 20.0 to 50.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation. In particular, when the glufosinate or a salt thereof is a racemic mixture of L- and D-glufosinate, it may be present in the formulation in an amount of 24.0 to 48.0% by weight, preferably 28.0 to 45.0% by weight, more preferably 30.0 to 42.0% by weight, and especially 32.0 to 40.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0011] When the glufosinate or a salt thereof is L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, it is preferably present in the formulation in an amount of 8.0 to 28.0 wt % based on the total weight of the formulation. In particular, when the glufosinate or a salt thereof is L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, it may be present in the formulation in an amount of 12.0 to 28.0 wt %, preferably 14.0 to 25.0 wt %, more preferably 15.0 to 22.0 wt %, and particularly 16.0 to 20.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0012] Thus, in one preferred embodiment, glufosinate or a salt thereof is present in the formulation in an amount of 24.0 to 48.0 wt %, preferably 28.0 to 45.0 wt %, more preferably 30.0 to 42.0 wt %, and particularly 32.0 to 40.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is preferably L-glufosinate or a salt thereof present in the formulation in an amount of 8.0 to 28.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the glufosinate or salt thereof is preferably L-glufosinate or a salt thereof present in the formulation in an amount of 12.0 to 28.0 wt %, preferably 14.0 to 25.0 wt %, more preferably 15.0 to 22.0 wt %, and particularly 16.0 to 20.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is glufosinate ammonium, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium. Accordingly, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the formulation of the present invention contains L-glufosinate ammonium in an amount of 8.0 to 28.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the formulation. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the formulation contains L-glufosinate ammonium in an amount of 12.0 to 28.0 wt. %, preferably 14.0 to 25.0 wt. %, more preferably 15.0 to 22.0 wt. %, and particularly 16.0 to 20.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the formulation. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the formulation contains the racemic form of glufosinate ammonium in an amount of 20.0 to 50.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the formulation. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the formulation contains the racemate of glufosinate ammonium in an amount of 24.0 to 48.0 wt. %, preferably 28.0 to 45.0 wt. %, more preferably 30.0 to 42.0 wt. %, and especially 32.0 to 40.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0016] As noted above, the alkyl ether sulfate may be present in the formulation in an amount of 19.0 to 50.0% by weight. In one preferred embodiment, the alkyl ether sulfate is present in the formulation in an amount of 19.0 to 40.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the alkyl ether sulfate is present in the formulation in an amount of 19.0 to 38.0 wt. %, preferably 19.5 to 35.0 wt. %, more preferably 20.0 to 30.0 wt. %, especially 22.0 to 28.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the alkyl ether sulfate is lauryl ether sulfate.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, 1-methoxy-2-propanol is present in the formulation in an amount of 3.0 to 9.0 wt. %, preferably 4.0 to 8.0 wt. %, more preferably 4.0 to 7.0 wt. %, especially 5.0 to 6.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, dipropylene glycol is present in the formulation in an amount of 5.0 to 13.0 wt. %, preferably 6.0 to 13.0 wt. %, more preferably 7.0 to 11.0 wt. %, especially 7.0 to 9.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the alkyl polysaccharide is present in the formulation in an amount of 5.0 to 18.0 wt %, preferably 6.0 to 15.0 wt %, more preferably 6.5 to 13.0 wt %, and especially 7.0 to 12.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the formulation of the present invention comprises, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 35.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 4.0 to 8.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 6.0 to 13.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 6.0 to 18.0% by weight of alkyl polysaccharides with water being the balance of the formulation.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the alkyl ether sulfate is of the general formula (I): R 1 -O(CH2CH2O)n-SO3M (I) (In the formula, R 1is saturated or unsaturated C4-C24-alkyl, preferably C6-C20-alkyl, in particular C12-C14-alkyl, n is an average number from 1 to 30, preferably from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 5, and M is monoethanolamine, triethanolammonium, Na+, K+ or NH4+, preferably monoethanolamine or sodium. In particular, the alkyl ether sulfate is sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the alkyl polysaccharide has the general formula (II): R 2 -O-(G) g -H (II) (In the formula, R 2 is saturated or unsaturated C4-C24-alkyl, preferably C6-C20-alkyl, in particular C8-C10-alkyl, or C8-C14-alkyl, or C12-C14-alkyl, G is preferably a glucose moiety linked via the C1 and C4 carbon atoms, and g is an average number from 1 to 50, preferably from 5 to 20. In particular, the alkyl polysaccharide is an alkyl polyglucoside.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of 1-methoxy-2-propanol to improve the low-temperature stability of a formulation containing glufosinate or a salt thereof, an alkyl ether sulfate, dipropylene glycol, an alkyl polysaccharide, and water.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of said use, the formulation comprises 3.0 to 10.0% by weight of 1-methoxy-2-propanol based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for selectively controlling weeds in an area, which method comprises applying to a field an effective amount of a formulation as defined herein, in particular a formulation as defined above.

[0028] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a formulation comprising, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the components of the formulation are described in more detail below, it being understood that each preferred embodiment is suitable not only on its own but also in combination with other preferred embodiments.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment A1 of the first aspect, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is present in the formulation in an amount of 24.0 to 48.0 wt. %, preferably 28.0 to 45.0 wt. %, more preferably 30.0 to 42.0 wt. %, and especially 32.0 to 40.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment A2 of the first aspect, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is preferably L-glufosinate or a salt thereof present in the formulation in an amount of 12.0 to 28.0 wt %, preferably 14.0 to 25.0 wt %, more preferably 15.0 to 22.0 wt %, and especially 16.0 to 20.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment A3 of the first aspect, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is glufosinate ammonium, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment A4 of the first aspect, the alkyl ether sulfate is present in the formulation in an amount of 19.0 to 38.0 wt. %, preferably 19.5 to 35.0 wt. %, more preferably 20.0 to 30.0 wt. %, especially 22.0 to 28.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment A5 of the first aspect, 1-methoxy-2-propanol is present in the formulation in an amount of 3.0 to 9.0 wt. %, preferably 4.0 to 8.0 wt. %, more preferably 4.0 to 7.0 wt. %, especially 5.0 to 6.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment A6 of the first aspect, dipropylene glycol is present in the formulation in an amount of 5.0 to 13.0 wt. %, preferably 6.0 to 13.0 wt. %, more preferably 7.0 to 11.0 wt. %, especially 7.0 to 9.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment A7 of the first aspect, the alkyl polysaccharide is present in the formulation in an amount of 5.0 to 18.0 wt. %, preferably 6.0 to 15.0 wt. %, more preferably 6.5 to 13.0 wt. %, especially 7.0 to 12.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment A8 of the first aspect, the formulation comprises, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 35.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 4.0 to 8.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 6.0 to 13.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 6.0 to 18.0% by weight of alkyl polysaccharides with water being the balance of the formulation.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment A9 of the first aspect, the alkyl ether sulfate is of the general formula (I) R1-O(CH2CH2O)n-SO3M (I) wherein R1 is saturated or unsaturated C4-C24-alkyl, preferably C6-C20-alkyl, in particular C12-C14-alkyl, n is an average number from 1 to 30, preferably from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 5, and M is monoethanolamine, triethanolammonium, Na+, K+ or NH4+, preferably monoethanolamine or sodium. In particular, the alkyl ether sulfate is sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment A10 of the first aspect, the alkylpolysaccharide is of the general formula (II) R2-O-(G)gH (II) wherein R2 is saturated or unsaturated C4-C24-alkyl, preferably C6-C20-alkyl, in particular C8-C10-alkyl, or C8-C14-alkyl, or C12-C14-alkyl, G is preferably a glucose moiety linked via the C1 and C4 carbon atoms, and g is an average number between 1 and 50, preferably between 5 and 20. In particular, the alkyl polysaccharide is an alkyl polyglucoside.

[0040] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of 1-methoxy-2-propanol to improve the low temperature stability of a formulation comprising glufosinate or a salt thereof, an alkyl ether sulfate, dipropylene glycol, an alkyl polysaccharide, and water.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment B1 of the second aspect, the formulation comprises 3.0 to 10.0% by weight of 1-methoxy-2-propanol, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0042] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for selectively controlling weeds in an area, which method comprises applying to a field an effective amount of a formulation as defined herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Before describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail, definitions important for understanding the present invention are provided.

[0044] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a" and "an" also include the respective plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "about" and "approximately" in the context of the present invention refer to a margin of accuracy that a person skilled in the art would recognize while still ensuring the technical effect of the feature in question. This term typically denotes a deviation from the indicated numerical value of ±10%, preferably ±5%, more preferably ±3%, and even more preferably ±1%. The term "comprising" should be understood to be open-ended. The term "comprising" for purposes of the present invention is considered a preferred embodiment of the term "comprising." When a group is defined below as comprising at least a certain number of embodiments, this also encompasses preferred groups consisting only of these embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," "(a)," "(b)," "(c)," "(d)," and similar terms in this specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily describe a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that embodiments of the invention described herein can be performed in orders other than those set forth or illustrated herein. Where terms such as "first," "second," "third," or "(a)," "(b)," "(c)," "(d)," "i," "ii," and the like refer to steps in a method, or use, or assay, unless otherwise specified in this application, as described herein above or below, there is no time interval or inconsistency between the steps, i.e., the steps may be performed simultaneously, or there may be intervals of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or even years between such steps. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as the particular methodology, procedures, reagents, and the like described herein may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] The term "wt. %" as used throughout this specification stands for "weight percent."

[0046] C n ~C m The prefix "-" indicates in each case the number of possible carbon atoms in the group.

[0047] The term "alkyl" as used herein, in each instance, refers to a straight-chain or branched alkyl group typically having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, often 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example 3 or 4 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl. Preferred alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, 2-methylpentyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, isooctyl, nonyl, isononyl, decyl and isodecyl.

[0048] The term "at least one" as used above and below throughout this specification means one or more, preferably one or two, and thus generally refers to individual compounds or mixtures / combinations.

[0049] When referring to weight percentages of compositions and ingredients contained therein, it is understood that in accordance with the present invention, the total amount of ingredients does not exceed 100% (±1% to account for rounding).

[0050] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the present invention preferably encompasses all stereoisomers of the compounds according to the invention, i.e., pure enantiomers, pure diastereomers, and mixtures thereof, such as racemic mixtures. In particular with respect to glufosinate, this term is understood to preferably encompass the pure enantiomers of L-glufosinate and D-glufosinate, as well as any mixtures thereof, such as mixtures comprising L-glufosinate in an enantiomeric excess (ee) of, for example, at least 99% ee or 99.5% ee, and racemic mixtures.

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the glufosinate-containing formulation, the use of 1-methoxy-2-propanol, and the method for selectively controlling weeds are described in detail below. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention are preferred either alone or in combination with each other.

[0052] As mentioned above, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 8.0 to 50.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 50.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0053] In particular, the present invention relates to a formulation comprising, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 12.0 to 50.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0054] As mentioned above, the present invention provides, in one aspect, a formulation comprising: 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0055] In this context, preferably, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is a racemic mixture of D- and L-glufosinate.

[0056] In another aspect, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 8.0 to 28.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 50.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0057] In this context, preferably, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, in particular L-glufosinate ammonium.

[0058] Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 8.0 to 28.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 50.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0059] Particularly preferably, the L-glufosinate or a salt thereof is L-glufosinate ammonium.

[0060] In another aspect, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 8.0 to 28.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0061] In this context, preferably, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, in particular L-glufosinate ammonium.

[0062] Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 8.0 to 28.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0063] Particularly preferably, the L-glufosinate or a salt thereof is L-glufosinate ammonium.

[0064] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 12.0 to 28.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0065] In this context, preferably, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, in particular L-glufosinate ammonium.

[0066] Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 12.0 to 28.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0068] In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a formulation comprising: 15.0 to 22.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0069] In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a formulation comprising, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 16.0 to 20.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water The present invention relates to a formulation comprising:

[0070] Particularly preferably, the L-glufosinate or a salt thereof is L-glufosinate ammonium.

[0071] It should be understood that glufosinate or a salt thereof includes all stereoisomers and mixtures thereof, as well as suitable salts of each glufosinate. Suitable salts include hydrochloride, ammonium salts, and isopropylammonium salts. In this context, the term glufosinate or a salt thereof specifically includes two stereocenters, one of which is the phosphorus atom and the other is the alpha carbon atom. It should be understood that the term glufosinate or a salt thereof includes all stereoisomers.

[0072] The racemic form of glufosinate has the formula (1) [ka] It has.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, glufosinate or a salt thereof is present in the formulation in an amount of 24.0 to 48.0 wt %, preferably 28.0 to 45.0 wt %, more preferably 30.0 to 42.0 wt %, and especially 32.0 to 40.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, glufosinate or a salt thereof is a racemic mixture thereof present in the formulation in an amount of 24.0 to 48.0 wt. %, preferably 28.0 to 45.0 wt. %, more preferably 30.0 to 42.0 wt. %, and especially 32.0 to 40.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is preferably D-glufosinate or a salt thereof present in the formulation in an amount of 12.0 to 28.0 wt %, preferably 14.0 to 25.0 wt %, more preferably 15.0 to 22.0 wt %, even more preferably 15.5 to 21.0 wt %, and particularly preferably 16.0 to 20.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the glufosinate or a salt thereof is preferably L-glufosinate or a salt thereof present in the formulation in an amount of 12.0 to 28.0 wt %, preferably 14.0 to 25.0 wt %, more preferably 15.0 to 22.0 wt %, even more preferably 15.5 to 21.0 wt %, and particularly preferably 16.0 to 20.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0077] The glufosinate or a salt thereof may be provided as an aqueous solution.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the glufosinate or salt thereof is a racemic form of glufosinate ammonium.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the glufosinate or salt thereof is D-glufosinate ammonium.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the glufosinate or salt thereof is glufosinate ammonium, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium.

[0081] In a specific embodiment, the glufosinate or salt thereof is glufosinate ammonium, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium, present in the formulation in an amount of 12.0 to 28.0 wt %, preferably 14.0 to 25.0 wt %, more preferably 15.0 to 22.0 wt %, even more preferably 15.5 to 21.0 wt %, and particularly 16.0 to 20.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl ether sulfate is present in the formulation in an amount of 19.0 to 38.0 wt. %, preferably 19.5 to 35.0 wt. %, more preferably 20.0 to 30.0 wt. %, even more preferably 22.0 to 28.0 wt. %, and especially 23.0 to 28.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, 1-methoxy-2-propanol is present in the formulation in an amount of 3.0 to 9.0 wt %, preferably 4.0 to 8.0 wt %, more preferably 4.0 to 7.0 wt %, even more preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt %, and especially 5.0 to 6.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0084] In another preferred embodiment, the formulation comprises 4.5 to 10.0 wt. %, preferably 5.0 to 9.0 wt. %, more preferably 6.0 to 8.0 wt. %, especially 7.0 to 8.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, dipropylene glycol is present in the formulation in an amount of 5.0 to 13.0 wt. %, preferably 6.0 to 13.0 wt. %, more preferably 7.0 to 11.0 wt. %, even more preferably 7.0 to 9.5 wt. %, and especially 8.0 to 9.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl polysaccharide is present in the formulation in an amount of 5.0 to 18.0 wt %, preferably 6.0 to 15.0 wt %, more preferably 6.5 to 13.0 wt %, even more preferably 7.0 to 12.0 wt %, and especially 7.5 to 10.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation comprises, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium; 19.0 to 35.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 4.0 to 8.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 6.0 to 13.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 6.0 to 18.0% by weight of alkyl polysaccharides with water being the balance of the formulation.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation comprises, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium; 19.0 to 35.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 4.0 to 8.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 6.0 to 13.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 6.0 to 18.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of water with water being the balance of the formulation.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation comprises, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 16.0 to 22.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium; 22.0 to 28.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 4.5 to 7.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 7.0 to 12.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 7.0 to 12.0 wt. % of an alkyl polysaccharide; 16.0 to 22.0% by weight of water with water being the balance of the formulation.

[0090] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and alkyl ether sulfate in a weight ratio of 4:1 to 1:5, preferably 2:1 to 1:3, more preferably 1:1 to 1:2.

[0091] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and 1-methoxy-2-propanol in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:2, preferably 8:1 to 1:1, more preferably 5:1 to 2:1.

[0092] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and dipropylene glycol in a weight ratio of 8:1 to 1:2, preferably 6:1 to 1:1, more preferably 3:1 to 1:1.

[0093] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and alkyl polysaccharide in a weight ratio of 8:1 to 1:2, preferably 6:1 to 1:1, more preferably 4:1 to 1:1.

[0094] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and water in a weight ratio of 4:1 to 1:4, preferably 2:1 to 1:2, more preferably 1.5:1 to 1:1.5.

[0095] Preferably, the formulation comprises alkyl ether sulfate and alkyl polysaccharide in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:2, preferably 5:1 to 1:1, more preferably 4:1 to 2:1.

[0096] Alkyl ether sulfates are generally defined as sulfated salts of adducts of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols containing 4 to 24, preferably 6 to 20, and more preferably 6 to 16 carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl ether sulfates used herein contain a linear aliphatic group having 4 to 24, preferably 6 to 20, more preferably 6 to 16, and especially 12 to 16 carbon atoms. The degree of ethoxylation can be from 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide, typically 2 to 4 moles of ethylene oxide. Examples include sodium lauryl ether sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, and other lauryl ether sulfates.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl ether sulfate is represented by the general formula (I): R1-O(CH2CH2O)n-SO3M (I) wherein R1 is saturated or unsaturated C4-C24-alkyl, preferably C6-C20-alkyl, in particular C12-C14-alkyl, n is an average number from 1 to 30, preferably from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 5, and M is monoethanolamine, triethanolammonium, Na+, K+ or NH4+, preferably monoethanolamine or sodium. In particular, the alkyl ether sulfate is sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

[0098] The alkyl ether sulfate may be provided as an aqueous solution containing preferably 50 to 90% by weight, more preferably 60 to 80% by weight, and particularly 65 to 75% by weight of alkyl ether sulfate based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl polysaccharide has the general formula (II): R2-O-(G)gH (II) wherein R2 is saturated or unsaturated C4-C24-alkyl, preferably C6-C20-alkyl, in particular C8-C10-alkyl, or C8-C14-alkyl, or C12-C14-alkyl, G is preferably a glucose moiety linked via the C1 and C4 carbon atoms, and g is an average number between 1 and 50, preferably between 5 and 20. In particular, the alkyl polysaccharide is an alkyl polyglucoside (also known as alkyl polyglycoside or APG).

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl polysaccharide is an alkyl polyglycoside, which has the general formula (IIa): R2aO(R2bO)b(Z)a (IIa) (wherein R2a is a monovalent organic group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, R2b is a divalent alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, Z is a glucose residue having 5 or 6 carbon atoms, b is an integer ranging from 0 to 12, and a is a number ranging from 1 to 6) Non-limiting examples of commercially available alkyl polyglycosides include, for example, APG®, AGNIQUE® or AGRIMUL® surfactants from BASF; Croda; Nouryon, e.g. 1. AGNIQUE PG 8105 surfactant - alkyl polyglucoside with an average degree of polymerization of 1.5, where the alkyl group contains 8 to 10 carbon atoms 2. AGNIQUE PG 8166 surfactant - an alkyl polyglucoside whose alkyl group contains 8 to 16 carbon atoms and has an average degree of polymerization of 1.6 3. AGNIQUE PG 266 surfactant - an alkyl polyglucoside whose alkyl group contains 12 to 16 carbon atoms and has an average degree of polymerization of 1.6 4. AGNIQUE PG 9116 Surfactant - Alkyl polyglucoside with alkyl groups containing 9-11 carbon atoms and an average degree of polymerization of 1.6 5. AGNIQUE PG 264-U surfactant - an alkyl polyglucoside with an average degree of polymerization of 1.4, where the alkyl group contains 12 to 16 carbon atoms. 6. AGNIQUE PG 8107 Surfactant - C8-16 alkyl polyglucoside with alkyl groups containing 8-10 carbon atoms and an average degree of polymerization of 1.7 7. AGNIQUE PG 266 Surfactant - C12-16 alkyl polyglucoside, where the alkyl group contains 12-16 carbon atoms and the average degree of polymerization is 1.6. 8. AL 2575 / AL 535 Surfactants - C8-11 alkyl polyglucosides with alkyl groups containing 8-11 carbon atoms and an HLB of 12-13 9. Nouryon AG 6202, AG 6206, or AG 6210 surfactants, which are 2-ethylhexyl branched C8 alkyl polyglucosides, linear hexyl C6 alkyl polyglucosides, and linear C8-C10 alkyl polyglucosides, respectively. Examples include:

[0101] The alkyl polyglucoside typically includes a C8 to C16 alkyl polyglucoside. In a preferred embodiment, an alkyl polyglucoside of formula (IIa) is used, where R2a is a monovalent organic group having 8 to 10 carbon atoms, b is zero, and a is a number having a value of 1 to 3, usually 1.5 to 1.7, and often 1.6.

[0102] The alkyl polysaccharide may be provided as an aqueous solution containing preferably 40 to 80% by weight, more preferably 50 to 70% by weight, and particularly preferably 55 to 65% by weight of the alkyl polysaccharide based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation has a flash point (determined according to CIPAC, MT 12-Flash Point, Handbook F; https: / / www.cipac.org / index.php / f12 / 364-mt-12-flash-point) of above 90°C, preferably above 100°C, in particular above 110°C. In this context, the flash point according to CIPAC, MT 12-Flash Point, Handbook F is determined as follows: A sample is placed in the cup of the apparatus and the temperature is slowly raised at a uniform rate. A small test flame is periodically brought closer to the inside of the cup, and the flash point is determined as the lowest temperature at which the flame strikes the sample, causing the vapor above it to burn and produce a clear flash inside the cup.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the density of the formulation (determined according to OECD Test Guideline 109) is between 1.110 and 1.140 g / cm 3 , preferably 1.115 to 1.135 g / cm 3 , especially 1.120~1.130g / cm 3 is.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation further comprises at least one additional ingredient such as an antifoaming agent, a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, an emulsifying agent, a penetrating agent, a preservative, an antifreeze agent and an evaporation inhibitor, such as glycerol and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, sorbitol, sodium lactate, a filler, a carrier, a colorant including pigments and / or dyes, a pH adjuster (buffers, acids and bases), a salt such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride and / or iron chloride, and combinations thereof.

[0106] The pigment or dye can be any available color and is generally considered to be harmless. In some embodiments, the dye is present at less than about 1% by weight, or less than about 2% by weight, or less than about 3% by weight, or about 0.01-2% by weight, or about 0.01-1% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0107] The formulations described herein may also contain other additional substances, such as fertilizers, plant harmful substances and plant growth regulators, pesticides, etc. used as adjuvants, or additional substances used in combination with any of the adjuvants described above. The compositions described herein can also be mixed with other substances, such as fertilizers, other plant harmful substances, etc., and applied at the same time.

[0108] It is recognized that the herbicide formulations may be used in combination with other herbicides. The herbicide formulations of the present invention are often applied in conjunction with one or more other herbicides to control a broader range of undesirable vegetation. When used in conjunction with other herbicides, the claimed formulations can be formulated with the other herbicide(s), tank mixed with the other herbicide(s), or applied sequentially with the other herbicide(s). Some of the herbicides that can be used in conjunction with the formulations of the present invention include: amide herbicides, such as aridochlor, beflubutamid, benzadox, benzipram, bromobutide, cafenstrole, CDEA, chlorthiamid, ciprazole, dimethenamid, dimethenamid P, diphenamid, epronaz, etonipromide, fentrazamide, flupoxam, fomesafen, halosafen, isocarbamide, isoxaben, naproxen, and the like. lopamide, naptalam, petoxamide, propyzamide, quinonamide and tebutam; anilide herbicides such as chloranocryl, cisanilide, clomeprop, cypromid, diflufenican, etobenzanide, fenashulam, flufenacet, flufenican, mefenacet, mefluidide, metamifop, monalid, naproanilide, pentanochlor, picolinafen and propanil; arylalanine herbicides such as benamine, benzophenone, benzophenone, benzophenone-4, benzophenone-5, benzophenone-6, benzophenone-7, benzophenone-8, benzophenone-9, benzophenone-10, benzophenone-11, benzophenone-12, benzophenone-13, benzophenone-14, benzophenone-15, benzophenone-16, benzophenone-17, benzophenone-18, benzophenone-19, benzophenone-20, benzophenone-21, benzophenone-22, benzophenone-23, benzophenone-24, benzophenone-25, benzophenone-26, benzophenone-27, benzophenone-28, benzophenone-29, benzophenone-30, benzophenone-31, benzophenone-32, benzophenone-33, benzophenone-34, benzophenone-35, benzophenone-36, benzophenone-37, benzophenone-38, benzophenone-39, benzophenone-40, benzophenone-41, benzophenone-42, benzophenone-43, benzophenone-44, benzophenone-45, benzophenone-46, benzophenone-47, benzophenone-48, benzophenone-49, benzo Zoilprop, Flanprop and Flanprop M; chloroacetanilide herbicides such as acetochlor, alachlor, butachlor, butenachlor, delachlor, diethanyl, dimethachlor, metazachlor, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, pretilachlor, propachlor, propisochlor, prinachlor, terbuchlor, thenylchlor and xylaclor; sulfoanilide herbicides such as benzof Luol, Perfluidon, Pyrimisulfan and Profluazole; sulfonamide herbicides such as Asulam, Carbasulam, Fenashulam and Oryzalin; antibiotic herbicides such as Bialaphos; benzoic acid herbicides such as Chloramben, Dicamba, 2,3,6-TBA and Tricamba; pyrimidinyloxybenzoic acid herbicides such as Bispyribac and Pyriminobac; pyrimidinylthiobenzoic acid herbicides such as Pyrithiobac;Phthalic acid herbicides such as chlortal; picolinic acid herbicides such as aminopyralid, clopyralid and picloram; quinolinecarboxylic acid herbicides such as quinclorac and quinmerac; arsenical herbicides such as cacodylic acid, CMA, DSMA, hexaflurate, MAA, MAMA, MSMA, potassium arsenite and sodium arsenite; benzoylcyclohexanedione herbicides such as mesotrione, sulcotrione, tefuryltrione and tembotrione; Furanylalkylsulfonic acid herbicides such as benfuresate and ethofumesate; carbamate herbicides such as asulam, carboxazole, chlorprocarb, dichlormate, fenashulam, carbutilate and terbucarb; carbanilate herbicides such as barban, BCPC, carbasulam, carbetamide, CEPC, chlorbufam, chlorpropham, CPPC, desmedipham, phenisofam, phenmedipham, phenmedipham ethyl , Propham and Swep; cyclohexene oxime herbicides such as alloxydim, butroxydim, clethodim, cloproxydim, cycloxydim, profoxydim, sethoxydim, tepraloxydim and tralkoxydim; cyclopropylisoxazole herbicides such as isoxachlorthol and isoxaflutole; dicarboximide herbicides such as benzfendizone, cinidon ethyl, flumezin, flumiclorac, flumioxazin and flumioxazin. Propyne; dinitroaniline herbicides such as benfluralin, butralin, dinitramine, ethalfluralin, fluchloralin, isoproparin, methaproparin, nitralin, oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine, profluralin and trifluralin; dinitrophenol herbicides such as dinophenate, dinoprop, dinosam, dinoseb, dinoterb, DNOC, ethinofen and medinoterb; diphenyl ether herbicides such as ethoxyfen;Nitrophenyl ether herbicides, such as acifluorfen, aclonifen, bifenox, clomethoxyfen, clomitrofen, etonipromide, fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen, fluoronitrofen, fomesafen, furiloxifene, halosafen, lactofen, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen and oxyfluorfen; dithiocarbamate herbicides, such as dazomet and metam; halogenated aliphatic herbicides, such as arorac. , chloropon, dalapon, flupropanate, hexachloroacetone, iodomethane, methyl bromide, monochloroacetic acid, SMA and TCA; imidazolinone herbicides such as imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin and imazethapyr; inorganic herbicides such as ammonium sulfamate, borax, calcium chlorate, copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate, potassium azide, potassium cyanate, sodium azide, sodium chlorate and sulfuric acid; nitrile herbicides herbicides such as bromobornyl, bromoxynil, chloroxynil, dichlorobenyl, iodobornyl, ioxynil and pyraclonil; organophosphate herbicides such as amiprophosmethyl, anilophos, bensulide, viranaphos, butamiphos, 2,4-DEP, DMPA, EBEP, fosamine, glyphosate and piperophos; phenoxy herbicides such as bromofenoxime, clomeprop, 2,4-DEB, 2,4-DEP, diphenopentene, disul, ervon, etoniprop mido, fenteracol and trifopsim; phenoxyacetic acid herbicides such as 4-CPA, 2,4-D, 3,4-DA, MCPA, MCPA-thioethyl and 2,4,5-T; phenoxybutyric acid herbicides such as 4-CPB, 2,4-DB, 3,4-DB, MCPB and 2,4,5-TB; phenoxypropionic acid herbicides such as cloprop, 4-CPP, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-P, 3,4-DP, fenoprop, mecoprop and mecoprop-P;Aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid herbicides, such as cloradifop, clodinafop, clofop, cyhalofop, diclofop, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-P, fentiaprop, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-P, isoxapyrifop, metamifop, propaquizafop, quizalofop, quizalofop-P and trifop; phenylenediamine herbicides, such as dinitramine and prodiamine; pyrazolyl herbicides, such as benzofenap, pyrazolyl pyrazolylphenyl herbicides such as fluazolate and pyraflufen; pyridazine herbicides such as cledazine, pyridafol and pyridate; pyridazinone herbicides such as brompyrazone, chloridazon, dimidazon, flufenpyr, metofluran, norflurazone, oxapyrazon and pidanone; pyridine herbicides such as aminopyralid, cliodinate, clopyralid, dithiopyr, fluroxypyr, haloxyzin, piclora pyrimidinediamine herbicides such as iprimidam and thiochlorim; quaternary ammonium herbicides such as cyperquat, diethamquat, difenzoquat, diquat, morphamquat and paraquat; thiocarbamate herbicides such as butyrate, cycloate, diallate, EPTC, esprocarb, ethiolate, isopolinate, methiobencarb, molinate, orbencarb, pebulate, prosulfocarb, pyributicarb, sulfa late, thiobencarb, thiocarbazyl, triallate and bemolate; thiocarbonate herbicides such as dimexano, EXD and proxan; thiourea herbicides such as methiuron; triazine herbicides such as dipropetrin, triaziflam and trihydroxytriazine; chlorotriazine herbicides such as atrazine, chlorazine, cyanazine, cyprazine, eglinazine, ipazine, mesoprazine, procyazine, proglinazin, propazine, sebuthylazine, simazine, terbuthylazine and trietazine;Methoxytriazine herbicides such as atraton, methometon, prometon, secbumeton, simeton and terbumeton; methylthiotriazine herbicides such as ametryn, adiprothrin, cyanatryn, desmetryn, dimethamethrin, metoprothrin, prometryn, simetryn and terbutryn; triazinone herbicides such as ametridione, amivudine, hexazinone, isomethiozin, metamitron and metribuzin; triazole herbicides such as amitrole, cafenstrole, epronaz and flupoxam; triazinone herbicides such as amitrole, cafenstrole, epronaz and flupoxam; Zolone herbicides such as amicarbazone, bencarbazone, carfentrazone, flucarbazone, propoxycarbazone, sulfentrazone and thiencarbazone methyl; triazolopyrimidine herbicides such as cloransulam, diclosulam, florasulam, flumetsulam, metosulam, penoxsulam and piroxsulam; uracil herbicides such as butafenacil, bromacil, flupropacil, isocyl, lenacil and terbacil; 3-phenyluracil; urea herbicides such as benzthiazuron, cumyluron, cyclouron, dixthiazuron Loralurea, diflufenzopyr, isonoruron, isouron, methabenzthiazuron, monisouron and noruron; phenylurea herbicides such as anisuron, buturon, chlorbromuron, chloreturon, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, daimron, difenoxuron, dimefron, diuron, fenuron, fluometuron, fluothiuron, isoproturon, linuron, methiuron, methyldaimron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metoxuron, monolinuron, monuron, nebron, parafluron, fenobenzuron, siduron, tetrafluron and thidiazuron; pyrimidinylsulfonylurea herbicides such as amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, mesosulfuron, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron and trifloxysulfuron;Triazinylsulfonylurea herbicides, such as chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, ethametsulfuron, iodosulfuron, metsulfuron, prosulfuron, thifensulfuron, triasulfuron, tribenuron, triflusulfuron and tritosulfuron; thiadiazolyl urea herbicides, such as buthiuron, ethidimuron, tebuthiuron, thiazafluron and thidiazuron; and unclassified herbicides, such as acrolein, allyl alcohol, aminocyclopyrachlor, azafenidin, benazolin, bentazone, benzobenzimidin, benzophenone, benzophenone-3, benzophenone-4, benzophenone-5, benzophenone-6, benzophenone-7, benzophenone-8, benzophenone-9, benzophenone-10, benzophenone-11, benzophenone-12, benzophenone-13, benzophenone-14, benzophenone-15, benzophenone-16, benzophenone-17, benzophenone-18, benzophenone-19, benzophenone-20, benzophenone-21, benzophenone-22, benzophenone-23, benzophenone-24, benzophenone-25, benzophenone-26, benzophenone-27, benzophenone-28, benzophenone-29, benzophenone-30, benzophenone-31, benzophenone-32, benzophenone-33, benzophenone-34, benzophenone-35, benzophenone-36, benzophenone-37, benzophenone-38, benzophenone-39, benzophenone-40, benzophenone-41, benzophenone-42, benzophenone-43, Chlon, butidazole, calcium cyanamide, camphendichlor, chlorfenac, chlorfenprop, chlorflurazole, chlorflurenol, cinmethylin, clomazone, CPMF, cresol, orthodichlorobenzene, dimepiperate, endothal, fluoromidine, fluridone, flurochloridone, flurtamone, fluthiacet, indanofan, methazole, methyl isothiocyanate, nipiraclofen, OCH, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxaziclomefone, pentachlorophenol, pentoxazone; Phenymercuric acetate, pinoxaden, prosulfarin, pyribenzoxim, pyriftalid, quinoclamine, rhodetanil, sulglicapin, thidiadimine, tridifen, trimeturon, tripropindan and tritac. The herbicide formulation of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with glyphosate or 2,4-D for glyphosate-resistant or 2,4-D-resistant crops. Generally, it is preferred to combine the formulation of the present invention with a herbicide that has selectivity for the treated crop and complements the weed spectrum controlled by the composition at the applied rate. Generally, it is more preferred to apply the formulation of the present invention and other complementary herbicides simultaneously, either as a combined formulation or as a tank mix.

[0109] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the formulations of the present invention have suitable biological effects, preferably improved biological effects, compared to some prior art formulations.

[0110] As mentioned above, in a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of 1-methoxy-2-propanol to improve the low temperature stability of a formulation comprising glufosinate or a salt thereof, an alkyl ether sulfate, dipropylene glycol, an alkyl polysaccharide, and water.

[0111] It is to be understood that all definitions and preferred embodiments set out above also apply to the mode of use. Further preferred embodiments are described in detail below.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation contains 3.0 to 10.0 wt %, preferably 3.0 to 9.0 wt %, more preferably 4.0 to 8.0 wt %, even more preferably 4.0 to 7.0 wt %, even more preferably 4.5 to 6.5 wt %, and particularly 5.0 to 6.0 wt % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0113] In another preferred embodiment, the formulation comprises 4.5 to 10.0 wt. %, preferably 5.0 to 9.0 wt. %, more preferably 6.0 to 8.0 wt. %, especially 7.0 to 8.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation comprises, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium; 19.0 to 35.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 4.0 to 8.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 6.0 to 13.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 6.0 to 18.0% by weight of an alkyl polysaccharide; 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of water with water being the balance of the formulation.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation comprises, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 16.0 to 22.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium; 22.0 to 28.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 4.5 to 7.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 7.0 to 12.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 7.0 to 12.0 wt. % of an alkyl polysaccharide; 16.0 to 22.0% by weight of water with water being the balance of the formulation.

[0116] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and alkyl ether sulfate in a weight ratio of 4:1 to 1:5, preferably 2:1 to 1:3, more preferably 1:1 to 1:2.

[0117] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and 1-methoxy-2-propanol in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:2, preferably 8:1 to 1:1, more preferably 5:1 to 2:1.

[0118] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and dipropylene glycol in a weight ratio of 8:1 to 1:2, preferably 6:1 to 1:1, more preferably 3:1 to 1:1.

[0119] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and alkyl polysaccharide in a weight ratio of 8:1 to 1:2, preferably 6:1 to 1:1, more preferably 4:1 to 1:1.

[0120] Preferably, the formulation contains glufosinate or a salt thereof and water in a weight ratio of 4:1 to 1:4, preferably 2:1 to 1:2, more preferably 1.5:1 to 1:1.5.

[0121] Preferably, the formulation comprises alkyl ether sulfate and alkyl polysaccharide in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:2, preferably 5:1 to 1:1, more preferably 4:1 to 2:1.

[0122] As mentioned above, the present invention relates in a third aspect to a method for selectively controlling weeds in an area, which method comprises applying to a field an effective amount of a formulation as defined herein.

[0123] It is to be understood that all definitions and preferred embodiments set forth above also apply to the method aspect for selectively controlling weeds. Further preferred embodiments are described in detail below.

[0124] The formulations described herein are useful for application to fields of crop plants to prevent or control weeds. The formulations can be formulated as liquids for field application. L-glufosinate is provided in an effective amount in the composition. As used herein, an effective amount is from about 10 grams of active ingredient per hectare to about 1,500 grams of active ingredient per hectare, for example, from about 50 grams to about 400 grams or from about 100 grams to about 350 grams. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is L-glufosinate. For example, the amount of L-glufosinate in the composition can be about 10 grams, about 50 grams, about 100 grams, about 150 grams, about 200 grams, about 250 grams, about 300 grams, about 350 grams, about 400 grams, about 500 grams, about 550 grams, about 600 grams, about 650 grams, about 700 grams, about 750 grams, about 800 grams, about 850 grams, about 900 grams, about 950 grams, about 1,000 grams, about 1,050 grams, about 1,100 grams, about 1,150 grams, about 1,200 grams, about 1,250 grams, about 1,300 grams, about 1,350 grams, about 1,400 grams, about 1,450 grams, or about 1,500 grams of L-glufosinate per hectare.

[0125] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples. [Example]

[0126] material As L-GA, a 53.7% aqueous solution of L-glufosinate ammonium was used. As race-GA1, a 50% aqueous solution of glufosinate ammonium racemate was used. As race-GA2, a 60.2% aqueous solution of glufosinate ammonium racemate was used. Dowanol PM / Solvenon PM is pure 1-methoxy-2-propanol. SAG 1572 is an antifoam agent purchased from Momentive Performance Chemicals. Keystone red 33DPG is a dye (5% liquid) purchased from Killiken & Company. The water-soluble dye Duasyn Acid blue AE 03 was purchased from Clariant GmbH. Agnique PG 8105-G is a 60% aqueous solution of alkyl polyglucoside. Genapol LRO Paste is a 70% aqueous solution of sodium alkyl ether sulfates, including sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

[0127] Preparation of formulations All ingredients except Genapol LRO Paste were premixed according to the proportions and ingredients specified in Table 1. The Genapol LRO Paste was then added to the premix, and the resulting mixture was stirred until the solids were completely dissolved, and the density was analyzed.

[0128] The density was measured according to OECD Test Guideline 109.

[0129] [Table 1]

[0130] [Table 2]

[0131] [Table 3]

[0132] Storage stability of the formulation The formulations in Table 1 were tested for storage stability at three different temperatures.

[0133] Each formulation was filled into a test glassware. After 1 day at 0°C, -5°C, or -10°C, each sample was seeded with glufosinate ammonium crystals.

[0134] [Table 4]

[0135] As can be seen from Table 4, all of the examples of the present invention exhibit good low-temperature stability at -5°C and -10°C. In addition, the phase separation that occurs at -10°C reverses when the samples are allowed to return to room temperature (after one day at room temperature). Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the formulations of the present invention have improved biological effects compared to Comparative Product 2.

Claims

1. A formulation comprising, each based on the total weight of the formulation: 8.0 to 50.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 50.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0 wt. % of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water A formulation comprising:

2. Each based on the total weight of the formulation: 12.0 to 50.0% by weight of glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 40.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 3.0 to 10.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 4.0 to 15.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 4.0 to 20.0 wt. % of an alkyl polysaccharide; 20.0 to 50.0% by weight of water 2. The formulation of claim 1, comprising:

3. 3. The formulation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the glufosinate or salt thereof is present in the formulation in an amount of 24.0 to 48.0 wt. %, preferably 28.0 to 45.0 wt. %, more preferably 30.0 to 42.0 wt. %, especially 32.0 to 40.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

4. 3. The formulation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the glufosinate or the salt thereof is preferably L-glufosinate or a salt thereof present in the formulation in an amount of 8.0 to 28.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

5. 5. The formulation of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the glufosinate or salt thereof is L-glufosinate or a salt thereof, preferably present in the formulation in an amount of 12.0 to 28.0 wt. %, preferably 14.0 to 25.0 wt. %, more preferably 15.0 to 22.0 wt. %, especially 16.0 to 20.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

6. The formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the glufosinate or the salt thereof is glufosinate ammonium, preferably L-glufosinate ammonium.

7. 7. A formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the alkyl ether sulfate is present in the formulation in an amount of 19.0 to 38.0 wt.-%, preferably 19.5 to 35.0 wt.-%, more preferably 20.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, especially 22.0 to 28.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the formulation.

8. 8. A formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the 1-methoxy-2-propanol is present in the formulation in an amount of 3.0 to 9.0 wt.-%, preferably 4.0 to 8.0 wt.-%, more preferably 4.0 to 7.0 wt.-%, especially 5.0 to 6.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the formulation.

9. 9. A formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dipropylene glycol is present in the formulation in an amount of 5.0 to 13.0 wt.-%, preferably 6.0 to 13.0 wt.-%, more preferably 7.0 to 11.0 wt.-%, especially 7.0 to 9.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the formulation.

10. 10. The formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the alkyl polysaccharide is present in the formulation in an amount of 5.0 to 18.0 wt. %, preferably 6.0 to 15.0 wt. %, more preferably 6.5 to 13.0 wt. %, especially 7.0 to 12.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the formulation.

11. Each based on the total weight of the formulation: 14.0 to 25.0% by weight of L-glufosinate or a salt thereof; 19.0 to 35.0 wt. % of an alkyl ether sulfate; 4.0 to 8.0 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol; 6.0 to 13.0 wt. % dipropylene glycol; 6.0 to 18.0% by weight of alkyl polysaccharides; 11. A formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:

12. The alkyl ether sulfate is represented by the general formula (I): R １ -O(CH ２ CH ２ O)n-SO ３ M (I) (In the formula, R １ is saturated or unsaturated C4-C24-alkyl, preferably C6-C20-alkyl, in particular C12-C14-alkyl, n is an average number from 1 to 30, preferably from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 5, and M is monoethanolamine, triethanolammonium, Na+, K+ or NH ４ +, preferably monoethanolamine or sodium) 12. A formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the alkyl ether sulfate is sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

13. The alkyl polysaccharide is represented by the general formula (II): ( ２ !()) ｇ  (().) (In the formula, R ２ is saturated or unsaturated C4-C24-alkyl, preferably C6-C20-alkyl, in particular C8-C10-alkyl, or C8-C14-alkyl, or C12-C14-alkyl, G is preferably a glucose moiety linked via the C1 and C4 carbon atoms, and g is an average number from 1 to 50, preferably from 5 to 20.

13. The formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the alkyl polysaccharide is an alkyl polyglucoside.

14. Use of 1-methoxy-2-propanol to improve the low temperature stability of a formulation containing glufosinate or a salt thereof, an alkyl ether sulfate, dipropylene glycol, an alkyl polysaccharide, and water.

15. The use according to claim 14, wherein the formulation comprises 3.0 to 10.0% by weight of 1-methoxy-2-propanol, based on the total weight of the formulation.

16. A method for selectively controlling weeds in an area, which method comprises applying to a field an effective amount of a formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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