weed control composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a herbicidal composition. More specifically, the present invention relates to a solid granular herbicidal composition. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the herbicidal composition and a method for controlling weeds using the same.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a herbicidal composition, a process for preparing the herbicidal composition, and a method for controlling weeds using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Pyroxasulfone is classified as K3 (old HRAC code) by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC). Its mode of action is the inhibition of very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis in plants. Pyroxasulfone can control many annual weeds, particularly grasses, and also herbicide-resistant weeds such as Lolium multiflorum (Italian ryegrass), Alopecurus aequalis (grass), and Amaranthus (broadleaf weeds).

[0003] Pyroxasulfone is an isoxazoline herbicide belonging to the pyrazolium family. Its chemical name is 3-[5-(difluoromethoxy)-1-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfonyl]-4,5-dihydro-5,5-dimethyl-1,2-oxazole. It is a pre-emergence herbicide that inhibits the biosynthesis of very long-chain fatty acids. It effectively controls grass and broadleaf weeds in corn, soybeans, and wheat. Compared to other similar products, Pyroxasulfone has higher pre-emergence activity and a longer residual activity period, maintaining high residual activity even two months after application. Pyroxasulfone exhibits excellent selectivity against corn, soybeans, wheat, turfgrass, cotton, potatoes, onions, and other crops. The herbicide pyroxasulfone was widely introduced in 2012, and since then, cases of resistance evolution have begun to be reported in weeds such as annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) and tall waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer).

[0004] Furthermore, it has been found that certain herbicidal compositions exhibit desired herbicidal activity and can more effectively control harmful / unwanted plants or weeds.Although various herbicidal compositions are known in the art, there is still a need to develop a solid formulation of a herbicidal composition that can effectively deliver herbicides to plants / crops and improve biological responses in controlling weed populations.Therefore, there is a need in the art to develop a pre-emergence herbicidal composition with high stability and efficient herbicidal activity.

[0005] In solid granular formulations, active ingredients are formulated with inactive ingredients such as binders, fillers, disintegrants, and other surfactants, which are generally present in amounts greater than the active ingredient itself. Because the active ingredient is deeply absorbed into the inactive ingredients, it can be difficult to release it from such solid granular systems. Therefore, there is a need in the art for solid formulations that overcome the aforementioned problems. One such solid formulation known to solve the aforementioned problems is water-dispersible granules (WG or WDG). Water-dispersible granules are formulations composed of granules that are applied after disintegration and have uniform dispersibility when diluted with water. WGs are gaining popularity due to their easy handling, dust-free nature, high stability, and other processing advantages.

[0006] Therefore, the present inventors provide a granular herbicidal composition containing pyroxasulfone to overcome the difficulties encountered in agricultural practice.

[0007] Object of the invention A first object of the present invention is to provide a stable pesticide composition that enables effective weed control.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide stable pesticide compositions containing very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicides.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water-dispersible granular composition containing a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water-dispersible granular composition containing an isoxazoline herbicide that has efficient retention of the active agent and good suspension properties.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water-dispersible granular composition containing pyroxasulfone that has efficient herbicidal activity. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides stable pesticide compositions comprising an isoxazoline herbicide for effective weed control.

[0013] In one aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising a herbicide selected from the group comprising a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer is in the range of about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone as an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer is within the range of about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a water-dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone as an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer is within the range of about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing a stable water-dispersible granular pesticide composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling weeds, the method comprising applying to a plant or its locus a stable pesticide composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide.

[0018] The present invention also provides a method for effectively controlling the growth and proliferation of weeds, the method comprising applying to a locus of a crop plant a water-dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone as a VLCFA herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer is within the range of about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0019] The present invention also provides the use of a water-dispersible granular composition according to the invention as a herbicide for effectively controlling the growth and proliferation of weeds.

[0020] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit comprising a plurality of components, including at least one of the components of the stable water-dispersible granule composition of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying examples, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. This description is not intended to be a detailed catalog of all the different ways in which the present disclosure can be implemented or all the features that can be added to the present disclosure. For example, features shown with respect to one embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments, and features shown with respect to a particular embodiment can be omitted from that embodiment. Thus, the present disclosure contemplates that some embodiments of the present disclosure may exclude or omit features or combinations of features described herein. In addition, it will be apparent from the present disclosure that those skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and additions to the various embodiments shown herein without departing from the technical scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following description is intended to describe some specific embodiments of the present disclosure, but is not intended to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

[0023] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes given values ​​and average values ​​that can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art within an acceptable deviation range of a particular value, taking into account the measurement and error associated with measuring the particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±10% or ±5% of a given value.

[0024] Unless otherwise stated herein, the recitation of ranges of values ​​is intended merely as a shorthand method of individually referencing each value within the range, and each value is incorporated herein as if it were individually stated herein. All range endpoints are included within the range and can be independently combined. All numerical values ​​or ranges used herein include integers within the range and fractions of values ​​or integers within the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a range of 90-100% also includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc. All methods described herein can be performed in any order unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0025] As used herein, "a," "an," "the," and similar reference words are to be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural, particularly within the context of the claims that follow, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. As used herein, the terms "first," "second," etc., do not denote a particular order but are merely for convenience to denote multiple layers, etc.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., terms meaning "including, but not limited to") unless otherwise noted. The use of any examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") is merely to better explain the disclosure and does not limit the scope of the disclosure unless specifically claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

[0027] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications can be made and equivalents substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure, but rather, it is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0028] The term "control" in relation to weeds includes the control of weeds as well as the protection of plants, plant parts or plant seeds from attack or infestation by said weeds.

[0029] As used herein, various amounts expressed as "%" or "% w / w" refer to weight percent of the total solution or composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0030] As used herein, the term "herbicide" refers to a compound that controls or regulates the growth of undesirable weeds / plants.

[0031] As used herein, the term "herbicidally effective amount" refers to the amount of a compound or combination of compounds capable of controlling or regulating the growth of harmful plants / undesirable vegetation / weeds. Control effects include all deviations from natural growth, such as death, growth retardation, leaf scorch, albinism, dwarfism, etc.

[0032] The term "plant" refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, leaves, and fruits. "Locus" refers to the area where a crop is grown or the location where weeds occur or grow (or may occur or grow), and includes soil and non-soil media.

[0033] As used herein, the term "pre-emergence" refers to the time before the plant emerges from the ground. Application of herbicides at the pre-emergence stage can prevent germinated weed seedlings from becoming established.

[0034] As used herein, the term "post-emergence" refers to the point in time after the plant emerges from the ground. Herbicide applications at the pre-emergence stage can prevent the growth of emerged weed seedlings.

[0035] As used herein, the term "g ai / ha" refers to the concentration of each active ingredient in "grams" applied "per hectare" of crop field.

[0036] In one embodiment, the present invention provides preferred combinations, compositions, and methods thereof. The methods of the present invention include controlling weeds at a locus by applying the combination or composition to the locus, or increasing crop yield by applying the combination or composition, or improving plant health by applying the combination or composition to the locus of the plant. The embodiments described herein describe preferred embodiments of all these possible combinations, compositions, and methods of the present invention.

[0037] As used herein, the term "locus" refers to the vicinity of a crop where weed control (typically selective weed control) is desired. A locus includes the vicinity of a useful crop plant where weed infestation has already occurred or has not yet occurred. The term crop includes a desired number of crop plants or an individual crop plant growing in a locus.

[0038] As used herein, the term "phytotoxicity" refers to any adverse effect or response on plant growth, physiology, or metabolism caused by chemicals, fertilizers, herbicides, heavy metals, etc.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "formulation" and "composition" can be used interchangeably and refer to a mixture of two or more compounds, elements, molecules, etc. In some embodiments, the terms formulation and composition can be used to refer to a mixture of one or more active ingredients with a carrier or other excipient.

[0040] As used herein, the term "modified styrene acrylic polymer" refers to an acrylic polymer that has been modified with styrene to contribute to improving the properties of the polymer.

[0041] Each of the above aspects may have one or more embodiments. Each embodiment described below is applicable to one or all of the above-described aspects. These embodiments are intended to be interpreted as preferred features of one or all of the above-described aspects. Each embodiment described below applies individually to each of the above-described aspects.

[0042] In developing a water-dispersible granular formulation containing an isoxazoline herbicide, the inventors unexpectedly discovered that combining an anionic surfactant and a polymer in a specific ratio can maintain the stability of the water-dispersible granular formulation in terms of efficient retention and good suspension of the active ingredient. The combination of an anionic surfactant and a polymer in a specific ratio facilitates the formation of a stable pesticide composition. It has been found that the combination of a selected weight ratio of anionic surfactant and polymer maintains the efficacy of the isoxazoline herbicide in the formulation, along with efficient suspension and dispersion of the active ingredient.

[0043] Thus, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable pesticide composition.

[0044] Thus, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable herbicidal composition.

[0045] Thus, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides stable herbicidal compositions comprising very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitors for efficient weed control.

[0046] In one embodiment, the VLCFA inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of isoxazolines, α-chloroacetamides, benzyl ethers, α-thioacetamides, α-oxyacetamides, oxiranes, thiocarbamates, benzofurans, and azolylcarboxamides, or combinations thereof.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the VLCFA inhibitor is an isoxazoline herbicide.

[0048] In one embodiment, the isoxazoline herbicide is selected from pyroxasulfone and fenoxasulfone, or a combination thereof.

[0049] In one preferred embodiment, the VLCFA inhibitor is the isoxazoline herbicide pyroxasulfone.

[0050] In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides herbicidal compositions comprising an isoxazoline herbicide for efficient weed control.

[0051] As used throughout this disclosure, isoxazoline herbicides or other active ingredients include their salts, esters, ethers, and polymorphs, including solvates and hydrates. Salts include salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the active ingredient, salts that are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, and derivatives of the disclosed compounds modified by making inorganic and organic, non-toxic, acid or base addition salts of the parent compound. Salts can be synthesized from the parent compound by conventional chemical methods.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w of an isoxazoline herbicide, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises about 10% w / w to about 90% w / w of an isoxazoline herbicide, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises about 20% w / w to about 90% w / w of an isoxazoline herbicide, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stable pesticide composition comprises about 30% w / w to about 90% w / w of an isoxazoline herbicide, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stable pesticide composition comprises about 50% w / w to about 90% w / w of an isoxazoline herbicide, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the stable pesticide composition comprises about 85% w / w of an isoxazoline herbicide, based on the total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the stable pesticide composition comprises about 85% w / w of pyroxasulfone, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0058] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising a herbicide selected from the group of shoot growth inhibitors or very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitors, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0059] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and The present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising:

[0060] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0061] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is pyroxasulfone.

[0062] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is fenoxasulfone.

[0063] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0064] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising fenoxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0065] In one embodiment, the polymer is a modified styrene acrylic polymer and the surfactant is a polymer with surface active properties (e.g., acrylate copolymers such as 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid and alkyl methacrylamide, alkyl methacrylate or alkyl acrylate, poly(allylamine) support phase, poly(ethyleneimine), etc.).

[0066] In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is a dispersing agent and is selected from the group including lignosulfonate blends, anionic / lignosulfonate blends, sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, aluminum lignosulfonate, modified kraft lignosulfonate, sodium naphthalene formaldehyde condensate, sodium salt of phenol formaldehyde condensate, sodium polycarboxylate, or combinations thereof.

[0067] In one preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant is an anionic / lignosulfonate blend.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 90% w / w of an anionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 70% w / w of an anionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 50% w / w of an anionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 30% w / w of an anionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 10% w / w of an anionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w of anionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w of anionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0075] In one preferred embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises about 2% w / w of the anion / lignosulfonate blend based on the total weight of the composition.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 90% w / w of polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 70% w / w of polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 50% w / w of polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 30% w / w of polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 10% w / w of polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w of polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w of polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0083] In one preferred embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises about 2% w / w of the modified styrene acrylic polymer based on the total weight of the composition.

[0084] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the concentration of the VLCFA inhibitor herbicide is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w, and the concentration of the polymer is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w.

[0085] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the concentration of the VLCFA inhibitor herbicide is in the range of about 50% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, and the concentration of the polymer is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w.

[0086] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the concentration of the VLCFA inhibitor herbicide is in the range of about 50% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w.

[0087] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the concentration of the isoxazoline herbicide is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w, and the concentration of the polymer is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0088] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the concentration of the isoxazoline herbicide is in the range of about 50% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, and the concentration of the polymer is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0089] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the concentration of the isoxazoline herbicide ranges from about 50% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend ranges from about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer ranges from about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0090] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the concentration of pyroxasulfone is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w, and the concentration of the polymer is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w.

[0091] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the concentration of pyroxasulfone is in the range of about 50% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w.

[0092] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the concentration of pyroxasulfone is in the range of about 50% w / w to about 90% w / w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w, and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is in the range of about 1% w / w to about 5% w / w.

[0093] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the concentration of the VLCFA inhibitor herbicide ranges from about 1% w / w to about 85% w / w, the concentration of the anionic / lignosulfonate blend is about 2% w / w, and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is about 2% w / w.

[0094] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the concentration of pyroxasulfone is about 85% w / w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is about 2% w / w, and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is about 2% w / w, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0095] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide; and (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

[0096] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide; and (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0097] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

[0098] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0099] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

[0100] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0101] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer is about 1:1.

[0102] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising fenoxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

[0103] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising fenoxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0104] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising fenoxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer is about 1:1.

[0105] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a water-dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0106] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a water-dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0107] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a water-dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, in the form of either a tank-mix or a preformulated (premix) composition.

[0108] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a water-dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer in the form of a preformulation (premix).

[0109] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a premix formulation comprising pyroxasulfone.

[0110] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide; and (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

[0111] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide; and (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0112] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

[0113] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0114] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) pyroxasulfone, (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

[0115] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) pyroxasulfone, (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0116] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) fenoxasulfone, (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the polymer ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0117] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pesticidally acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising filler(s), surfactant(s), pH modifier(s), preservative(s), antifoaming agent(s), colorant(s), binder(s), solvent(s), other formulation aids or combinations thereof.

[0118] In one embodiment, the filler(s) are selected from the group comprising magnesium aluminum silicate, precipitated silica, kaolin, china clay, bentonite clay, attapulgite clay, inorganic salts such as sodium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, or combinations thereof.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surfactant(s) comprise an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant, and the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and aryl sulfates including sodium alkyl sulfate, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate, polyoxyalkylene alkylaryl ether sulfate, polyoxyalkylene styrylphenyl ether sulfate, alkyl phosphate, polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate, polyoxyalkylene phenyl ether phosphate, polyoxyalkylphenol phosphate, polycarboxylate, fatty acid and salt thereof, polyoxyalkylene phenyl ether phosphate, polyoxyalkylphenol phosphate, polycarboxylate, fatty acid and salt thereof, alkyl glycinate, acyl glutamate, acyl sarcosinate, alkyl sulfoacetate, acylated peptide, alkyl ether carboxylate, acyl lactylate, docusate sodium, and mixtures thereof. The nonionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising ethoxylated fatty acids, alcohol ethoxylates, tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters (such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters commonly known as polysorbates), or combinations thereof.

[0120] In one embodiment, the pH adjusting agent(s) and stabilizer(s) are selected from the group comprising organic or mineral acids, bases, neutralizing agents, or buffering agents, representative agents including the following acids and their sodium salts: sorbic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, propionic acid, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0121] In other embodiments, suitable preservative(s) are, for example, benzothiazole, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, dichloro-s-triazinetrione sodium, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, 1,2-phenylisothiazolin-3-one, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, interchloroxylenol paraoxybenzoate butyl, benzoic acid, or combinations thereof.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the antifoaming agent(s) may be selected from polydimethoxysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, dimethylsiloxane polymers, siloxane polyalkylene oxide copolymers, polypropylene glycol, alkyl polyacrylates, castor oil, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty acid sulfates, fatty alcohols, fatty alcohol esters, fatty alcohol sulfates, olive oil, mono- and diglycerides, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, polypropylene glycol, silicone oils, vegetable fats, vegetable fat sulfates, vegetable oils, vegetable oil sulfates, vegetable waxes, vegetable wax sulfates, agents based on silicon or magnesium stearate, or combinations thereof.

[0123] In one embodiment, the colorant(s) may be selected from iron oxide, titanium oxide and organic dyes such as Prussian blue, alizarin dyes, azo dyes or metal phthalocyanine dyes, and trace elements such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc, or combinations thereof.

[0124] In another embodiment, binder(s) are added selected from, but not limited to, molasses, granulated sugar, alginate, karaya gum, guar gum, tragacanth gum, polysaccharide gums, mucilage, xanthan gum, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the binder is selected from silicates such as magnesium aluminum silicate, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, celluloses including ethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextrin, maltodextrin, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabic, shellac, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonate, acrylic copolymers, starch, polyvinyl acrylate, zein, gelatin, or the like. The polymers and copolymers may be selected from vinyl acetate, carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylimide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylimide monomer, alginate, ethylcellulose, polychloroprene and syrup or mixtures thereof; vinyl acetate, methylcellulose, vinylidene chloride, acrylic, cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polysaccharide polymers and copolymers; vinylidene chloride and vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer polymers and copolymers; combinations of polyvinyl alcohol and sucrose; and plasticizers such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyglycols, etc.

[0125] According to an embodiment, an example of a suitable solvent(s) is water.

[0126] In one embodiment, the pesticidally acceptable excipient is present in the range of about 0.1% w / w to about 99% w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

[0127] In one preferred embodiment, the pesticidally acceptable excipient is present in the range of about 0.1% w / w to about 30% w / w, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0128] In one embodiment, the water-dispersible granular herbicidal composition of the present invention further comprises at least one additional herbicide.

[0129] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one additional herbicide; and (e) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and The present invention provides a water-dispersible granular herbicidal composition comprising:

[0130] In one embodiment, the additional herbicide is an aliphatic acid herbicide, an amide herbicide, an aromatic acid herbicide, a benzofuran herbicide, a benzonitrile herbicide, a benzophenone herbicide, a benzothiadiazinone herbicide, a benzyl ether herbicide, a botanical herbicide, a carbamate herbicide, a cyclohexanedione oxime herbicide, a dinitroaniline herbicide, a dinitrophenol herbicide, a diphenyl ether herbicide, a diphenyl heterocyclic herbicide, a dithiocarbamate herbicide, a fumigant herbicide, a halogenated alkanoic acid herbicide, an imidazolinone herbicide, an inorganic herbicide, an isoxazole herbicide, an isoxazolidinone herbicide, an isoxazoline herbicide, an N-phenyl heterocyclic herbicide, an N-phenylimide herbicide, an N-phenyloxadiazolone herbicide, an N-phenyltriazolinone herbicide, an organochlorine herbicide, an organophosphate ... herbicides, oxirane herbicides, oxyacetamide herbicides, phenol herbicides, phenoxy herbicides, phenylcarboxylic acid herbicides, phenyl ether herbicides, phenylthiourea herbicides, pyrazole herbicides, pyridazine herbicides, pyridazinone herbicides, pyridine herbicides, pyridine herbicides, pyrimidinediamine herbicides, pyrimidinyloxybenzylamine herbicides, quaternary ammonium In some embodiments, the herbicide is selected from the group comprising benzophenone herbicides, quinone herbicides, α-thioacetamide herbicides, thiocarbamate herbicides, thiocarbonate herbicides, triazine herbicides, triazinone herbicides, triazole herbicides, triazolone herbicides, triazolopyrimidine herbicides, triketone herbicides, uracil herbicides, urea herbicides, unclassified herbicides, or combinations thereof.

[0131] In one embodiment, the additional herbicide is further selected from the group comprising a phosphinic acid herbicide, a sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone herbicide, an anilide herbicide, an acetamide herbicide, an aryloxyphenoxypropion herbicide, a benzoylpyrazole herbicide, a chloroacetamide herbicide, a glycine derivative herbicide, an aryloxyphenoxypropion herbicide, a phenyl ether herbicide, an N-phenylimide herbicide, an imidazolinone herbicide, an N-phenyltriazolinone herbicide, an alkylazine herbicide, a phenoxyacetic acid herbicide, a pyridyloxycarboxylic acid herbicide, a benzoic acid herbicide, a triketone herbicide, a chlorotriazine herbicide, a quaternary ammonium herbicide, a phenylurea herbicide, a phenylpyrazoline herbicide, or a combination thereof.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the water-dispersible granule composition can be further combined with an additional herbicide. The present invention can be premixed, tank-mixed, formulated, or applied simultaneously with the additional herbicide. They can be co-applied simultaneously or simultaneously to form a mixture at the application site. They can be applied sequentially, immediately, or at an appropriate interval to achieve the desired effect.

[0133] Examples of additional herbicides or weed killers include inhibitors of photosynthesis in PS II, inhibitors of acetolactate synthase, inhibitors of protoporphyrinogen oxidase, inhibitors of glutamine synthase, inhibitors of homogentisate solanesyltransferase, inhibitors of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, inhibitors of very long chain fatty acid synthesis, inhibitors of fatty acid thioesterase, electron transfer of PS II, inhibitors of hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, inhibitors of phytoene desaturase, inhibitors of deoxy-D-xylose phosphate synthase, inhibitors of solanesyl diphosphate synthase, inhibitors of lycopene cyclase, inhibitors of cellulose synthesis, inhibitors of serine threonine protein phosphatase, inhibitors of dihydropteroate synthase, inhibitors of enolpyruvylshikimate phosphate synthase, inhibitors of microtubule assembly, auxin mimics, uncouplers, and auxin transport inhibitors. Specific examples include 2,4-D, acetochlor, aclonifen, amicarbazone, 4-aminopyeolic acid herbicides such as halaxifen, halaxifen-methyl, 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-fluoropyridine-2-carboxylic acid, or agriculturally acceptable esters or salts thereof.

[0134] In other embodiments, the additional herbicide is amidosulfuron, aminocyclopyrachlor, aminopyralid, aminotriazole, ammonium thiocyanate, anilophos, asulam, azimsulfunron, atrazine, beflubutamid, benazolin, benfuresate, bensulfuron-methyl, bentazon-sodium, benzofenap, bifenox, bispyribac-sodium, bromobutide, bromacil, bromoxynil, butachlor, butafenacil, butralin, butroxydim, carbetamide, cafenstrole, carfentrazone , carfentrazone ethyl, chlormequat, clopyralid, chlorsulfuron, chlortoluron, cinidon ethyl, clethodim, clodinafop-propargyl, clomeprop, clomazone, chloransulam-methyl, cyanazine, cyclopyrimorate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, cyhalofop-butyl, dymron, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichlorprop-P, diclofop-methyl, diclosulam, pyroxasulfone, diflufenzopyr, dimefuron, dimethachlor, diquat, diuron, 5-ethyldipropylcal Bamothioate (EPTC), esprocarb, ethoxysulfuron, etobenzanide, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop ethyl, fenoxaprop ethyl + isoxadifen ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fenoxasulfone, fenquinotrione, fentrazamide, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluazifop, fluazifop-P-butyl, flucarbazone, flucarbazone sodium, fluketosulfuron (LGC-42153), flufenacet, flumetsulam, flumioxazin, flupyrsulfuron, Flurochloridone, fluroxypyr, fluroxypyr meptyl, flurtamone, glufosinate, glufosinate ammonium, glyphosate, halosulfuron-methyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-R-methyl, hexazinone, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, imazosulfuron, indanofan, indaziflam, iodosulfuron, iodosulfuron ethyl sodium, iofensulfuron, ioxynil, ipfencarbazone, isoproturon, isoxaben,Isoxaflutole, lactofen, linuron, MCPA, MCPB, mecoprop-P, mefenacet, mesosulfuron, mesosulfuron-ethyl sodium, mesotrione, metamifop, metazochlor, metazosulfuron, metosulam, metribuzin, metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, molinate, MSMA, napropamide, napropamide-M, orflurazone, orthosulfamuron, oryzalin, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxadiazinon Sadiclomefone, oxyfluorfen, paraquat, pendimethalin, penoxsulam, pentoxazone, petoxamide, picloram, picolinafen, pinoxaden, pretilachlor, primisulfuron, profluazole, profoxydim, propanil, propaquizafop, propyrisulfuron, propoxycarbazone, propyzamide, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, pyraclonil, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrasulfotole, pyrazosulfuron-e Chil, pyrazolinate, pyribenzoxim (LGC-40863), pyributicarb, pyridate, pyriftalid, pyrimisulfan, pyrithiobac sodium, pyroxasulfone, quinclorac, quinmerac, quizalofop-ethyl-D, quizalofop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-P-tefuryl, rimsulfuron, sethoxydim, simazine, sulcotrione, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron, sulfosate, sulfosulfuron, tebuti The additional insecticide may be selected from uron, tefuryltrione, tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, thenylchlor, thiazopyr, thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron methyl, thiobencarb, topramezone, tralkoxydim, triafamone, triasulfuron, tribenuron, tribenuron methyl, triafamone, triclopyr, and trifluralin, as well as agriculturally acceptable salts, choline salts, esters, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the additional insecticide may be selected from benzofenap, cyhalofop (e.g., cyhalofop butyl), dymron, pentoxazone, esprocarb, pyrazosulfuron, butachlor, pretilachlor, metazosulfuron, bensulfuron methyl, imazosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bromobutide, benfuresate, mesotrione,Examples of suitable insecticides include sulcotrione, oxaziclomefone, triafamone, cyclopyrimorate, pyrimisulfan, propyrisulfuron, pyraclonil, ipfencarbazone, iofensulfuron, fenoxasulfone, fenquinotrione, napropamide M, imazamox, imazapic, imazethapyr, pyroxsulam, or agriculturally acceptable esters or salts thereof.

[0135] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:100 to about 100:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:50 to about 50:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:30 to about 30:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:10 to about 10:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

[0136] In one embodiment, the water-dispersible granular herbicidal composition of the present invention further comprises at least two additional herbicides.

[0137] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) polymers, (d) at least two additional herbicides; and (e) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and The present invention provides a water-dispersible granular herbicidal composition comprising:

[0138] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the two additional herbicides ranges from about 1:100:100 to about 100:1:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the two additional herbicides ranges from about 1:50:50 to about 50:1:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the two additional herbicides ranges from about 1:30:30 to about 30:1:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the two additional herbicides ranges from about 1:10:10 to about 10:1:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone to the two additional herbicides ranges from about 1:5:5 to about 5:1:1.

[0139] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water-dispersible granular herbicidal composition is not limited to a particular size, but the granules of the present invention typically have an average particle size in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, preferably about 3 mm to about 7 mm, and more preferably about 5 mm to about 10 mm, although sizes outside these ranges can also be used.

[0140] In one embodiment, D 50 Values ​​are approximately 2 microns or more, D 90 The value is about 5 microns or greater.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the various components of the WDG herbicidal composition are used individually or already partially or completely mixed together to prepare a water-dispersible granular composition. The components can also be packaged individually and used as components in a kit of parts. In one embodiment, the kit can include one or more of the components used to prepare the granular composition. For example, the kit can include an active ingredient and / or a surfactant blend. One or more of the components can be already blended together or pre-blended.

[0142] One or more of the components may already be blended together or pre-blended. In those embodiments in which three or more components are provided in the kit, the components may already be combined and, as such, packaged in a single container, such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag, and / or canister. In other embodiments, two or more components of the kit may be packaged separately from one another, i.e., they are not pre-blended. Thus, the kit may include one or more separate containers, such as a vial, can, bottle, pouch, bag, and / or canister, each containing a separate component of the herbicidal composition.

[0143] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit containing a stable pesticide composition is provided. The kit is composed of multiple components, each of which includes at least one of the components of the stable herbicidal composition of the present disclosure. The kit of parts may also include a set of instructions in the form of a manual, guide, booklet, pamphlet, or the like.

[0144] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the kit includes at least one or all of the components necessary to prepare a stable herbicidal composition. For example, the kit may include pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer. In either form, the individual components of the kit can be applied separately from the other components of the kit, together with the other components of the kit, or as components of a combination composition.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the kit of parts comprises: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and and optionally, Further included are instructions for use.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the kit of parts comprises: (a) pyroxasulfone, (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and and optionally, Further included are instructions for use.

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the herbicidal composition preferably retains its physical integrity during handling and application, and during broadcast, the active ingredient is typically released when moist soil, irrigation water, or rainfall contacts the applied granules.

[0148] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a water-dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0149] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a water-dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0150] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing a herbicidal composition, said process comprising: (a) blending an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, a polymer, and at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient to form a mixture; (b) grinding the mixture of step (a) into a fine powder; (c) mixing the powder in another mixer to obtain a uniformly ground powder; (d) preparing a dough using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion; (e) extruding the dough in a low compression extruder to obtain wet extruded granules, which are dried at a suitable temperature to obtain the herbicidal composition.

[0151] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing a water dispersible granular composition, said process comprising: (a) blending pyroxasulfone, anionic / lignosulfonate blend, sodium lignosulfonate, and docusate sodium for about 30 minutes to form a mixture; (b) grinding the mixture of step (a) into a fine powder; (c) mixing the powder in another mixer for about 30 minutes to obtain a uniformly ground powder; (d) preparing a dough using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion; (e) extruding the dough in a low compression extruder to obtain wet extruded granules, which are dried at a suitable temperature to obtain a water-dispersible granular composition.

[0152] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing a water dispersible granular composition, said process comprising: (a) blending pyroxasulfone, anionic / lignosulfonate blend, sodium lignosulfonate, and docusate sodium for about 30 minutes to form a mixture; (b) grinding the mixture of step (a) into a fine powder; (c) mixing the powder in another mixer for about 30 minutes to obtain a uniformly ground powder; (d) preparing a dough using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion; (e) extruding the dough in a low compression extruder to obtain wet extruded granules and drying at a suitable temperature to obtain dry granules; (f) sieving the dried granules to separate oversized and undersized granules to obtain a water-dispersible granule composition.

[0153] In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides the use of a stable pesticide composition in weed control, wherein the stable pesticide composition comprises an isoxazoline herbicide.

[0154] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a use of a stable pesticide composition in weed control, wherein the stable pesticide composition comprises an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0155] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a water-dispersible granular composition in weed control, wherein the stable pesticide composition comprises an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0156] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a water-dispersible granular composition in weed control, wherein the stable pesticide composition comprises an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0157] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, the method comprising applying to a plant or its locus a water-dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer.

[0158] In other embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure are used to control weeds in various agricultural crops. Non-limiting examples of weeds controlled by the compositions of the present disclosure include: Cruciferous weeds: Raphanus raphanistrum, Raphanus sativus, Sinapis arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Brassica juncea, Brassica campestris, Descurainia pinnata, Rorippa islandica, Rorippa sylvestris, Thlaspi arvense, Myagrum rugosum, Lepidium virginicum, Coronapus didymus and combinations thereof.

[0159] Non-limiting examples of weeds controlled by the compositions of the present disclosure include: Weeds of the genus: Dinebra retroflexa, Cynodon dactylon, Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli, Setaria viridis, Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria ilosa ate, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria horizontalis, Digitaria insularis, Eleusine indica, Poa annua, Alospecurus aequalis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum vulgare, Agropyron repens, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidum, Bromus secalinus, Bromus tectorum, Hordeum jubatum, Aegilops cylindrica, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris minor, Apera spicaventi, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Panicum texanum, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria reptains Brachiaria platyphylla, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria plantaginea, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria humidicola, Brachiaria mutica, Cenchrus echinatus, Cenchrus pauciflorus, Eriochloa villosa, Pennisetum setosum, Chloris gayana, Chloris barbata, Eragrostis ilosa, Rhynchelitrum repens, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Ischaemumrugosum, Oryza sativa, Paspalum notatum, Paspalum maritimum, Pennisetum clandestinum, Pennisetum setosum, Rottboellia cochinchinensis and combinations thereof.

[0160] In another embodiment, the compositions of the present disclosure are used to control weeds in various agricultural crops.

[0161] In another embodiment, various (target) crops include corn, rice, wheat, barley, rye, oats, sorghum, cotton, soybeans, peanuts, buckwheat, beets, rapeseed, sunflowers, sugarcane, tobacco, etc.; vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, bell pepper, sweet pepper, potato, etc., solanaceous vegetables; cucurbit vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon, melon, pumpkin, radish, white turnip, wasabi, Brassica vegetables such as kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, mustard greens, broccoli, and cauliflower; Asteraceae vegetables such as burdock, chrysanthemum, artichoke, and lettuce; Liliaceae vegetables such as leeks, onions, garlic, and asparagus; Apiaceae vegetables such as carrots, parsley, celery, and parsley; Chenopodiaceae vegetables such as spinach and Swiss chard; Lamiaceae vegetables such as perilla, mint, and basil; strawberries, sweet potatoes, rhubarb, and colophony. Cassia, etc.; flowers, leafy plants, turfgrass; fruits such as pome fruits such as apples, pears, and quince; stone fruits such as peaches, plums, nectarines, plums, cherries, apricots, and prunes; citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits; nuts such as chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, and macadamia nuts; berries such as blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and raspberries; grapes, persimmons, olives, plums, bananas, coffee, dates, and coconuts; and non-fruit trees such as tea, mulberry, flowering trees, ash, birch, dogwood, eucalyptus, ginkgo, lilac, maple, Mizunara oak, poplar, katsura, Liquidambar formosana, plane tree, zelkova, magnolia, fir, hemlock, juniper, pine, pichia, and camphor tree.

[0162] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition is applied at the pre-emergence stage of the weeds.

[0163] In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a composition for controlling weeds, comprising pyroxasulfone and at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient.

[0164] From the foregoing, it will be seen that the several advantages of the present disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained. While the present disclosure has been fully disclosed, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments can be combined to provide a better understanding of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0165] In other embodiments, the disclosure herein of alternative or multiple embodiments of the present disclosure is not to be construed as limiting. Each embodiment may be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be included in, or omitted from, this disclosure for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0166] It will be understood that the specification and examples are intended to illustrate but not limit the disclosure, and that other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments are possible that are within the scope of the invention. The following examples are illustrative of the invention but do not in any way limit the scope of the claims. [Example]

[0167] The present disclosure will now be illustrated with reference to the following examples.

[0168] Example 1: Pyroxasulfone Water-Dispersible Granule (WDG) Composition (Formulation 1)

[0169] [Table 1]

[0170] process: Pyroxasulfone, anionic / lignosulfonate blend, sodium lignosulfonate, and doxate sodium were blended for approximately 30 minutes to form a mixture. This mixture was ground into a fine powder and blended for approximately 30 minutes to achieve a uniform grind. A dough was prepared using the ground powder, water, and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion. The dough was extruded in a low-compression extruder to obtain wet extruded granules, which were then dried at an appropriate temperature to obtain a water-dispersible granular composition.

[0171] Example 2: Stability testing The water-dispersible granule composition disclosed in Formulation 1 was evaluated for its stability. The stability of the composition was determined under accelerated heat stability (AHS) conditions at about 54°C for about 14 days. Stability was also evaluated in a 20-month real-time shelf-life study, which is disclosed in Table 2.

[0172] [Table 2]

[0173] After 14 days of accelerated storage at 54±2°C, there were no significant changes in any of the physical or chemical properties of the composition: package inspection, appearance (color, physical state, odor), pH, active ingredient content, wet sieve test, suspendability, wettability, dispersibility, particle size distribution, and sustained effervescence. Pyroxasulfone 850 g / kg WG (equivalent to 85% w / w WG of pyroxasulfone) was "stable under accelerated storage conditions" when stored for 14 days at a temperature of 54±2°C.

[0174] Example 3: Optimization of Docusate Sodium in WDG Composition The compositions of Formulations 2, 3 and 4 were evaluated with different amounts of doxate sodium to determine their suspendability at ambient temperature and AHS conditions (approximately 54±2° C.), as disclosed in Table 3.

[0175] [Table 3]

[0176] From the results in Table 3, it was observed that Formulation 2 contained doxate sodium in an amount of approximately 3% w / w and exhibited a suspendability of 78.58% under room temperature conditions and 68.28% under AHS conditions.

[0177] Example 4: Screening of anionic surfactants The compositions of Formulations 5 and 6 were evaluated with and without anionic surfactants to determine their suspensibility at ambient temperature and AHS conditions (approximately 54±2° C.), as disclosed in Table 4.

[0178] [Table 4]

[0179] From the results in Table 4, it was observed that Formulation 6, which consisted of an anionic / lignosulfonate blend, exhibited greater than 80% suspendability under ambient temperature and AHS conditions.

[0180] Example 5: Screening of different surfactant systems The compositions of Formulations 7 and 8 were evaluated with different surfactant systems to measure their suspendability at ambient temperature and AHS conditions (approximately 54±2° C.) and are disclosed in Table 5.

[0181] [Table 5]

[0182] From the results in Table 5, it was observed that Formulation 8 exhibited a suspension property of 75% or more under ambient temperature and AHS conditions.

Claims

1. 1. A herbicidal composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; and (c) a polymer; and (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and A herbicidal composition comprising:

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is selected from pyroxasulfone, fenoxasulfone, or a combination thereof.

3. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising lignosulfonate blends, anionic / lignosulfonate blends, sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, aluminum lignosulfonate, modified kraft lignosulfonate, sodium naphthalene formaldehyde condensate, sodium salt of phenol formaldehyde condensate, sodium polycarboxylate, or combinations thereof.

4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the polymer is a modified styrene acrylic polymer.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant and the polymer are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:

1.

6. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pesticidally acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising filler(s), surfactant(s), pH adjuster(s), preservative(s), antifoaming agent(s), colorant(s), binder(s), solvent(s), other formulation aids or combinations thereof.

7. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 50% w / w to about 90% w / w of an isoxazoline herbicide, based on the total weight of the composition.

8. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w of an anionic surfactant and from about 1% w / w to about 10% w / w of a polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

9. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 30% w / w of a pesticidally acceptable excipient, based on the total weight of the composition.

10. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules.

11. 1. A water-dispersible granular composition comprising: (a) pyroxasulfone, (b) an anionic / lignosulfonate blend; and (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer; (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and 1. A water-dispersible granular composition comprising:

12. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein said anionic / lignosulfonate blend and said modified styrene acrylic polymer are present in a weight ratio of about 1:

1.

13. 1. A process for preparing a herbicidal composition comprising: (a) blending an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, a polymer, and at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient to form a mixture; (b) grinding the mixture of step (a) into a fine powder; (c) mixing the powder in another mixer to obtain a uniformly ground powder; (d) preparing a dough using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion; (e) extruding the dough in a low compression extruder to obtain wet extruded granules, which are then dried at a temperature to obtain the herbicidal composition; 1. A process for preparing a herbicidal composition comprising:

14. 1. Use of a herbicidal composition in weed control, said composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; and (c) a polymer; and (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and 10. Use of a herbicidal composition in weed control, comprising:

15. 1. A method for controlling weeds by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal composition to a plant or its locus, said composition comprising: (a) an isoxazoline herbicide; (b) an anionic surfactant; and (c) a polymer; and (d) at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; and A method for controlling weeds, including:

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